Take me to the river: New Hawke's Bay Fish and Game manager eager as trout fishing season opens

Hawke's Bay Fish and Game new regional manager Jesse Friedlander. Photo / Supplied

It's time to get the fishing rod out, slap on the sunscreen and head out to the river for the start of a new trout fishing season.

Smaller rivers and tributaries which were closed over the winter trout spawning season are open to anglers from today. Fish and Game is encouraging fishing enthusiasts to come in and buy their new licence and get information and advice about fishing in the region's waterways.

A Fish and Game spokesperson said although this year's floods struck the region "pretty hard," it was still looking to be a bumper of a season.

"With the forecast looking reasonable, most smaller tributaries and headwaters - the areas many anglers love to fish during opening week - should be running clear, hopefully with hungry trout waiting in every pool."

"Fish and Game would like to wish everyone a safe start to their season and remind anglers to take care of the trout you catch, especially when releasing them.

"Let someone know when you're heading out and when you will return, make sure to 'Check, Clean, Dry' between different water bodies and make sure you have your current fishing licence on hand for when it's checked by rangers during the season."

As the new season begins, Hawke's Bay Fish and Game also has a new regional manager, Jesse Friedlander.

He has worked in wildlife management and conservation throughout New Zealand, in Canada and the Seychelles.

Friedlander is originally from Hawke's Bay and says he owes a lot to the hunting and angling community.

Having just returned from 18 months in Canada and South America, he's keen to reacquaint himself with the hunting and fishing communities and "hopefully catch a few fish" during the season.

• For more information on licensing and fishing in Hawke's Bay's waterways, visit your local Fish and Game or https://fishandgame.org.nz.