Trout fishing on Lake Okataina. Photo/ Eastern Fish & Game
Trout fishing on Lake Okataina. Photo/ Eastern Fish & Game
An armada of watercraft is expected to descend on lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina, at dawn next Thursday to mark the start of the trout fishing season.
"The season-opening is cause for celebration among anglers and 2020 is no exception, " Fish & Game officer Matt Osborne said.
"Opening is a great time for families to come together, enjoy the lakes and catch a trout or two in the process. It's good for the soul."
Fish & Game staff will be monitoring the fishing and conducting licence checks.
Rangers and biosecurity staff from Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and the Department of Conservation (DOC) will be ensuring biosecurity measures are adhered to.
Visitors to the lakes are reminded to abide by the "leave no trace" principles of not cutting down trees, toileting appropriately and removing your rubbish.
Biosecurity staff from Te Arawa Lakes Trust will be monitoring vessels at boat ramps.
Anglers are asked to ensure they have checked their fishing apparatus for pest weed fragments and fish eggs, clean the gear to kill any microscopic spores and eggs.
Biosecurity officer Lucas McDonald said anglers were also asked to ensure they leave their equipment to dry before transferring to a new waterway.
"Catfish and multiple weed species are already present in particular Rotorua lakes and have a detrimental effect on both native fish and trout.
"It's vital that we don't exacerbate the situation by introducing new pests to the region like didymo or Koi Carp or cause the further spread of pests already here."
Anyone found guilty of breaching the Biosecurity Act 1993 could be convicted and fined up to $5000.
Trout fishing at dusk on Lake Tarawera. Photo / Eastern Fish & Game
DOC Supervisor Carrie Abbott said everyone wanted anglers to have a safe and enjoyable time on the lakes.
"The opening of the fishing season is a positive event for anglers and it's important that everybody plays their part in making it a success by behaving responsibly and respecting other lake users.
"Unfortunately, last year there were reports of people trespassing on private land, excessive drinking, littering and lighting fires which have the potential to get out of control and cause tragedy, "Abbott said.
"The opening of the fishing season on October 1 is an event New Zealanders look forward to. By educating ourselves of the few simple measures we can take to all do our part, we will be ensuring the next generation get to enjoy this incredible resource like we do."
Boat users can access toilets and camp at Hot Water Beach and Humphries Bay.
Covid tracer QR codes will be placed at all DOC campgrounds for contact tracing.
