A 3.7kg rainbow trout caught at Lake Okataina measured as opening day's biggest fish, while Lake Rotoiti offered the best conditioned fish, according to Fish & Game.
This year's fishing season kicked off on October 1 at Rotorua's three lakes, Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina.
Fish and Game officers, honorary rangers and other volunteers surveyed more than 600 fishers and weighed and measured their catches as they returned to boat ramps.
Fish & Game officer Matt Osborne said Lake Rotoiti provided the better catch rate and longer fish but weather on the day made it hard to fish at the lake.
"Anglers who put safety first couldn't fish where they wanted in comfort, however Lake Rotoiti normally comes into its own in November," he said.