Anglers are being urged to "grab the last chance" to fish one or more of Rotorua's three iconic lakes before they close to boaties this weekend for the rest of the winter.
The popular lakes of Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina will be "rested" from July 1 until October 1, 2017
when a new season opens again.
Eastern Fish & Game officer Matt Osborne said anglers who were keen on boat fishing the lakes, along with those who may not yet have visited them, "should take this final opportunity for the season as we have a favourable weather forecast that hopefully will hold for the remainder of the week".
He said it was a time of year when fish were present at various levels in the lake's water column, so a variety of fishing methods could produce results.
"Smelt are still active, so techniques ranging from shallow harling to the use of downriggers can produce catches."
Mr Osborne said fishing early in the morning or late in the evening were the best times to target the trout chasing smelt.
He advised boaties to "actively search out the trout on your fish finders" and then use the method that's most appropriate.
Other prime spots about to close include the Ohau Channel and the upper sections of the Ngongotaha, Waiteti and Utuhina streams.
"We have recently received good fishing reports from Rotorua, Rerewhakaaitu and Rotoma, three lakes that remain open all winter, and we suggest harling on still mornings with smelt flies around drop-offs and weed beds.
"Spin fishing from the shore can also be productive at this time of year as many of the bigger fish look to spawn in the shallows."
Mr Osborne said the stream mouths on Lake Rotorua were also a good place to try, especially the Ngongotaha and Waiteti mouths which would continue to attract fresh runs of spawning trout after rain.
For more information on waters remaining open after September 30 and shoreline angling opportunities, contact the Fish & Game office on (07) 357 5501.
