Anglers urged to ‘make the most’ of last week of boat fishing

Anglers are being reminded this week offers the last chance to get out and fish three of Rotorua’s most popular lakes before they close to boaties for the rest of the winter.

Lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina will be closed from next Sunday, July 1 until October 1, 2018 when a new fishing season opens again.

Eastern Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne says those local anglers who love their boat fishing on any of these lakes, along with any visitors to Rotorua, should grab this last opportunity, especially with some winter sun forecast for later in the week.

He says that currently, all of the Rotorua lakes are producing fish of outstanding quality. Recently, some fish in excess of 4kg have even been weighed in on Lake Rotoiti.

Best methods for the boat anglers to employ at the end of June will be harling close to the surface morning and evening, and trolling deeper with lead lines during the daylight hours when the day is brighter.

Mr Osborne says that when the three lakes close to boat fishing, there are still plenty of shoreline areas that remain open to land-based anglers – and the largest trout will be close to shore as they are still in spawning mode.

This provides a great opportunity for the fly and spin fishers to have a crack.

Aside from the three lakes, other popular spots that are about to close include the Ohau Channel and the upper sections of the Ngongotaha, Waiteti and Utuhina streams.

As always, Fish & Game staff will be out ranging to ensure the lakes and streams are “getting the rest they deserve,” says Mr Osborne.

Fish & Game says that for the latest information on fishing prospects, anglers are welcome to contact staff on 07-3575501.

Background:
Lakes Rotoiti, Tarawera and Okataina will close to all boat fishing after June 30, but remain open to fishing from the designated winter shoreline areas.

The Ohau Channel and upper section of the Ngongotaha above SH5, plus the Utuhina stream above Devon Street will all close to fishing from the end of June.

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