Thousands of enthusiastic Bay anglers are eagerly preparing for the nationwide opening of the new sports-fishing season today.
The new season sees the opening of many trout lakes, streams and rivers which have been closed over winter to allow trout to breed. Other back-country waters will not be open for another month or more.
"October 1 is a red-letter day on any trout angler's calendar," says Fish & Game's communications manager, Don Rood. "After months of waiting, their favourite streams are about to reopen and they're looking forward to making the most of the opportunity by getting out fishing."
Prospects are looking good throughout the country, although rivers in the Hawke's Bay and Gisborne regions are still running high following last week's torrential rain and flooding.
"Fish & Game rangers will be out checking licences over coming days, so anglers need to make sure they have their licences, are fishing where they are allowed and not exceeding their catch limits," Mr Rood said.
