LAKES FISHERIES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 117, 13 November 1931, Page 12

LAKES FISHERIES

GOOD CATCHES RECORDED

SOME BIG TROUT

Mention is made in the reports of tho Conservator of Fish and Game at Eotorua (Mr. A. Kean) to the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. A. Hamilton) of some fine specimens of trout bagged by anglers plying their rods during the past several days in the Taupo and Rotorua Lakes. Fish turning the scales at 9£lb, 81b, 61b, 6Jlb, 51b, and 3 Jib, all in good condition, have been in a few clays' fishing amongst individual catches of 70, 49, 22, and 14. "

Writing on the sport in both lakes and streams (Taupo and Rotorua) the Conservator states:—

"It is most gratifying to be able to report the fact that without exception the numerous anglers who have so far commenced operations this season are emphatic that the condition and the number of fish caught are a general improvement over last season, and therefore the anglers' future fishing prospects are excellent. Very little fishing has been done in the Tau-ranga-Taupo. Parties trolling in the following places have experienced good results: Stump Bay, Motuopa Bay, Omoia Bay, Waihi Bay, Kuratau. In this area the report shows that the fly has been the method most popularly used by anglers. It is shown that 21 individuals or parties used the fly, as against four parties using tho spoon. The average weight of the fish taken in this area was sJlb. On tho opening day of the seasou the largest catch by a party was one of 44 fish, their largest fish weighing Sib. Other parties landed 30, 14, 13, 12, 11, 7, and (3, the heaviest fish in the basket weighing 81b. On the fly at the Hut, Log, and Gun Pools the fishing has been splendid. Whakaipo Bay and the journey there and back have proved the most popular portion of the lake for the launch parties, who, of course, used the spoon in obtaining their catches. On the first and second of the mouth (October) a party using tho launch Taniiti aggregated the excellent total of 52 fish, their heaviest fish weighing 911b. In the Waitahanui one angler took four fish, averaging 61b. These were the best conditioned fish he has taken within the last two yeafs.

"Large catches of splendid trout have been reported from the waters about Rotorua. It is stated generally by experienced anglers that the fish are in very fine condition for so early in the season; in fact, many fishermen state that they have never seen the fish so good for this time of year. The Ohau Channel rs providing excellent sport, and several limits have been taken, while bags of ten are fairly common. A gentleman from England secured 70 for the week, all in good condition and taken on the fly, his best fish being 541b and the average 41b. Two local anglers to.ok 20 on the Matuka, at the Rotorua end of the channel. This catch was comprised of all young fish in fine condition, which averaged 2JIb, the best fish 31b. Reports from Rotoelm state that fish are plentiful, and trolling appears to be the favourite method of fishing. Lake Tarawera has been well patronised by fishermen, and some large bags have been made. A party from To Aroha took 49 on the spoon during two day's' trolling, tho average being slb, and tho heaviest fish weighed 81b."