Rotorua anglers urged to 'make the most' of last week of boat fishing on lakes

Rotorua anglers Kevin Hodge, Peter Butler and Ian Thom (on boat) fishing on Lake Tarawera. Photo / File

Three of Rotorua's most popular lakes will be closed to boat fishing from Sunday onwards, until the end of winter.

Boaties will not be allowed to fish on Lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina from July 1 until October 1, 2018 when the new fishing season opens again.

Eastern Fish & Game officer Matt Osborne said there will still be plenty of designated shoreline areas open to land-based anglers – with many of the larger trout being close to shore as spawning will still be taking place.

Fly fishing in Fish & Game's Eastern Region. Photo / Supplied

He said anglers should grab the last opportunity to fish from a boat, especially with winter sun forecast later in the week.

Osborne said the best methods for boat anglers at the end of June would be harling close to the surface morning and evening, and trolling deeper during daylight hours when the day is brighter.

He said all Rotorua lakes were producing fish of outstanding quality including several fish in excess of 4kg weighed in on Lake Rotoiti recently.

Other popular spots about to close include the Ohau Channel and upper section of the Ngongotahā above State Highway 5, plus the Utuhina stream above Devon St, which will all close to fishing from the end of June.

Fish & Game staff will be out ranging to ensure the lakes and streams are "getting the rest they deserve", Osborne said.

For the latest information on fishing prospects, anglers can contact Fish & Game staff on (07) 357 5501.

To check the regulations for other areas: http://eastern.fishandgame.org.nz/eastern-fishing-regulations.