New trout released into Bay waters

Five-year-old Jessica Marsh lets fish go into Lake Mc Laren. Photo/supplied

A new school of 700 yearling trout has been released at McLaren Falls Park.

The trout were released into Lake McLaren and the Ruahihi Canal last night with the help of local anglers and their families.

The lake offers year round fishing with a bag limit of two trout and no size restriction. The lake and canal are stocked every November with rainbows and browns but also have some wild fish.

Fish & Game Officer Mark Sherburn said the 500 rainbow and another 200 browns were transported from Fish & Game's Ngongotaha hatchery for release shortly after 6pm at spots around Cherry Bay, and in the canal near the entrance to the Park.

"As always Tauranga Anglers Club members and their kids turned up - and it turns into quite a fun event as they help with the release.

"We don't use our big 'live trout truck' for this release because of the number of fish involved - we have a tank on the back of a ute and are able to scoop out a bucket-full of fish and hand it a club member or child - and give them the pleasure of tipping these hyped up young trout into the water."

Mr Sherburn said Fish & Game took great pleasure in giving keen anglers and their families a real hands on experience - and a small part in the annual re-stocking.

"And it's always intriguing to hear their stories of what fish they've caught - and exactly where."

Tauranga club members have contributed directly over the years in various ways - for example assisting in the preparation of material for local brochures, and serving as honorary rangers, he said.

Mr Sherburn said the Lake in its park setting offered a very family-friendly fishing destination, with lots of picnic spots near the water. The slow vehicle access that's permitted means you have easy access to these areas.

"It's close to the perfect spot for locals to introduce their kids to trout fishing in a great outdoor setting without any fast river hazards.

"As always we advise to think hard about buying a family licence which permits two adults and two children or grandchildren to fish under the one licence, while the primary licence holder can still go out on their own."