Possible trout fishing ban on the Awahou

FILE

New rules around trout fishing in the region, including a ban on fishing upstream from the Awahou Stream mouth, have been proposed by the Eastern Fish and Game Council.

The council has outlined eight possible changes to the current fishing rules laid down in the Angler's Notice and are appealing for anglers to have their say.

Eastern Fish and Game regional manager Andy Garrick said it's important to the council that anglers digest and then respond to the proposals.

"We try to consult as widely as possible on these changes - so please take the opportunity to have your say."

Mr Garrick said that one proposal is to move the opening date for lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina from October 1 the first Saturday in October each year.

Another suggested change is to prohibit trout fishing in the Awahou Stream upstream of its junction with Lake Rotorua. If the proposal went through anglers would still be able to fish at the stream mouth but all fishing upstream would be prohibited.

Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne said currently fishing was permitted from the Hamurana bridge down to the stream mouth.

He said the rule change would provide refuge for highly stressed trout and better allow identification of poachers on the stream.

More information on these is available at http://eastern.fishandgame.org.nz/.

Have your say by writing to Eastern Fish & Game, Private Bag 3010, Rotorua, 3046, or by emailing mosborne@fishandgame.org.nz by Monday 30 May, 2016.

The proposals for the 2016-17 season will go before a meeting of the Eastern Fish & Game council on 16 June 2016.

If adopted, they would come into effect in October next year.