Better Fishing In Deeper Pools

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30745, 8 May 1965, Page 3

Better Fishing In Deeper Pools

(N.Z. Preus Association)

ROTORUA, May 7. Conditions for angling in the Waiotaka stream, Lake Taupo, have been improved by an experiment in extracting metal from the stream bed. But wildlife conservation officers are still not sure what the longterm effects will be.

The experiment was started early in March by a private company working closely with

officials of the Department of Internal Affairs.

It is designed to serve the interests of the metal contractor, the angler and the department, and may become a pattern for other streams. The company, Wilkins and Davies Construction, Ltd., has been working on a twomile stretch of the stream which was previously heavily overgrown with blackberries and willows, and which tended to flood into swamps and over the main TaupoTurangi highway. Between Monday and Thursday of each week, workmen have extracted a limited amount of metal from each pool in the experimental area.

The water has not been interfered with at week-ends when angling is at a peak. The department’s assistantconservator of wildlife at Rotorua, Mr P. J. Burstall, said today it appeared fish were holding in the pools created by the excavations. Instead of migrating through quickly to the spawning area, trout were remaining longer in the portions available to anglers. Other improvements had been in developing access and clearing casting areas.

“To this extent angling conditions have been greatly improved,” Mr Burstall said, “but it is too early at this stage to assess any long-term effects.

“We do not know yet whether winter floods will refill the pools with silt and metal.” Mr Burstall said the answer to this question should be known soon. The flood flows

would soon be starting. “One of our hopes is that it might be possible to extract metal during the times of flood When the water is normally dirty and angling conditions are poor." Each pool in the experimental area is numbered and the work done on it is being recorded on maps. Conservation officers make daily inspections.