One of the key aims was to make the rules easier for everyone to understand.
The regulations for shoreline fishing on Lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina were identified as particularly complicated. Now, instead of some areas being fly fishing only at this time of year, the whole shoreline is open to spinning and fly fishing.
"Rock on up at any spot along the shore on these lakes and you're safe in the knowledge it's legal to fish there,'' Mr Osborne said.
The changes mean easy spinning methods can be used at some popular holiday spots like The Landing on Lake Tarawera.
Other areas where spinning was previously banned include The Orchard, around the point from The Landing, and the Waitangi Stream mouth.
The new rules bring Tarawera into line with Rotoiti and Okataina.
However, exceptions do remain, such as on Lake Rotoiti where spinning is not permitted within 300m of the Ohau Channel delta's landmark pole.
Mr Osborne said spinning was the perfect choice for holiday makers with families. "It's easy for children to pick up _ they learn quickly and if you're the father, uncle or granddad doing the teaching _ it's also a fast method to teach.
"Children can learn to spin pretty competently in about 10 minutes compared with the 10 hours that might be needed to teach fly fishing skills.''
Meanwhile, Mr Osborne said even though rules had simplified it didn't mean other rules and regulations had been relaxed.
For more information on the rules see the North Island sports fishing regulations booklet or visit www.fishandgame.org.nz
Fish & Game is also reminding anglers of the ``check, clean, dry'' message which applies to both boats and trailers and personal gear such as waders and fishing equipment.
"Rotorua's lakes and streams are free from most pest fish and some aquatic weeds and we need anglers to help us keep it that way.''
