Anglers set for the 'finest brown trout' as Rotorua streams open

Trout fishing on the Ngongotaha Stream. Photo/Supplied

Anglers are getting set for some of the country's "finest brown trout fishing" as Rotorua streams re-open for summer.

The upper reaches of some Lake Rotorua tributaries, which have been closed for the spawning season, will re-open for summer angling from Friday December 1.

They are the upper sections of the Ngongotaha Stream, above State Highway 5, the Waiteti Stream, above Hamurana Rd, and the Utuhina Stream, between Devon St and Pukehangi Rd.

Fish & Game officer Matt Osborne said prospects looked good.

"The Ngongotaha Stream for example has plenty of fish with the rainbow trout in fantastic condition. Some large brown trout have also entered the stream though some of these are still recovering post-spawning.

"Lake Rotorua's rainbow trout went through a period of poor condition between 2008 and 2014 while the browns remained in good nick," Osborne said.

"The cooler conditions over last summer have helped the rainbows achieve excellent condition."

The brown trout moved into the tributaries in what is an annual phenomenon that happened when the lake warmed to around 19C and drove them into the streams in search of cooler water.

Mr Osborne said while the browns had already spawned, there were some late spawning rainbows still in the tributary streams and this activity would continue into December.

"Most experienced anglers will initially be nymphing or using globugs before moving later in summer to caddis and cicada-type dry flies and emerging-type nymphs."

Some areas are fly fishing only but there are places to spin fish on some streams.

"Please do check your regulation booklet for where you can spin," Osborne said.

Fish & Game officers will be out ranging on the opening of the Rotorua streams and in the weeks that follow speaking to as many anglers as possible.

Towards the East Coast, the Mokau and Hopuruahine streams at Waikaremoana will also be opening from December 1.

Anglers are reminded of the need to check, clean and dry fishing equipment including footwear when moving between waterways.