BROOK TROUT AT TAUPO

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28270, 7 May 1957, Page 19

BROOK TROUT AT TAUPO

Liberation Of Fish Successful “The Press’’ Special Service TAUPO, May 5. The discovery of four dead American brook trout (Fontinalis) on a hydro station grille in the Hinemaiaia stream at Hatepe. has orovided the first indication of the success of liberation experiments carried out by the Department of Internal Affairs wildlife division between 1952 and 1954. There were three male and one female fish and their condition was excellent. The smallest weighed 21b and was 15? inches long, and the largest 2?lb and was 171 inches long. This was the first time that four brook trout of such weights and sizer had been found together/in a New Zealand stream. Most of the fish liberated in the Hinemaiaia stream were frv and fingerlings. The wildlife division subsequently conducted research and ultimately declared an experimental season between November 3. 1956? and January 31 last. It proved disappointing both to the department and to anglers The data returned to the department was inconclusive and anglers caught few brook trout. An American who was at Taupo recently, and who claimed considerable experience with brook trout fishing in the United States. F~id it may be that the New Zealanders fished for Fontinalis at the wrong time of the year as. in his country, it was usual to wait until the first snowfall.