$25k prize up for grabs as lakes reopen

Lucas, 5, and Pete Corson on Lake Rotorua. Photo / Mike Bodie

Hundreds of anglers who can swing the day off work are tipped to enjoy some sunny weather as the new fishing season starts on the Rotorua lakes.

Lakes Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoiti will all reopen tomorrow after a three-month closed period over winter, with up to 1000 anglers expected to try their luck.

Most of the fish caught at opening and in the early summer are typically younger fish around two years of age.

Fish & Game officer Matt Osborne said because many of the young fish were released in different months, "there will be a real spread in the size of the catch".

"We believe Okataina will continue the trend seen over the last few seasons and produce the largest fish but this doesn't mean large fish won't be caught on the other lakes."

He said growing conditions for trout in Okataina had been very good in recent years.

"Combine this with lower angler pressure as a result of lake levels and boat launching issues, and you have a formula that means trout can grow to a larger size before they're harvested."

Mr Osborne said with Fish & Game's Fish for Gold promotion underway this year, he hoped to see more anglers fishing on Lake Rotorua, too.

A total of 40 red-tagged fish have been released, 10 each, into lakes Tarawera, Okataina, Rotorua and Rotoiti.

Anglers who have registered for the event can win a grand, one-off prize of $25,000, or catch a fish carrying a prize worth $200. Anglers must have a current licence and register to be eligible. Entries are limited to the first 1200 people to enter, and the deadline to register is September 30.

-The traditional haggis ceremony will take place at The Landing at Lake Tarawera from 5pm tonight, with bagpipe players, whisky, Scottish dancing and a blessing of the boats.