- Hon James Meager
Taupō District's trout bag limits will increase for the new fishing season, improving stock quality and creating more opportunities for anglers and local businesses, Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager says.
Mr Meager has approved a bag limit increase from six to eight trout, taking effect from 1 July.
"Lake Taupō trout are heavily dependent on their primary food source, smelt, to grow quickly and maintain condition. However, data shows smelt levels are under pressure due an imbalance from the large trout population," Mr Meager says.
"Taupō spawning streams are often described as 'hyper productive', generating huge numbers of juvenile trout annually. Angler harvest is essential to maintaining a healthy population.
"Increasing the bag limit is a logical, evidence-based decision. History has shown a collapse in smelt numbers dramatically impacts the size and condition of trout.
"This win-win move will improve fishing conditions, encourage greater participation, put more food on the table for families, and benefit local businesses.
"The Taupo trout fishery is a world-renowned angling destination, attracting visitors from all over the world while providing strong fishing opportunities for locals.
"It is also a significant resource for the local economy, with annual sales revenue of around $1.3m generated from the sale of around 30,000 fishing licences. The fishery supports hundreds of local jobs and contributes to tens of millions of dollars in business turnover.
"It is vital this resource is well managed to ensure its viability for years to come."
Mr Meager has also approved several minor regulation changes, designed to simplify the rules and make them easier for anglers to understand.
"This includes the removal of the fixed February closure at Lake Otamangakau. A more responsive management approach will be adopted, which looks closely at predicted weather patterns," Mr Meager says.
"These changes are yet another example of our Government's commitment to improving freshwater fishing opportunities for all New Zealanders."
