FISHING AT TAUPO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22009, 16 January 1935, Page 10

FISHING AT TAUPO

OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS

"BETTER FACILITIES URGED APATHY OF GOVERNMENT Holiday makers at Taupo who took out licences for trout fishing have been very disappointed with tho amount of good fishing that was available this year. Fish have not been plentiful, except at the mouth of the Waitahanui River, and there tho limited space available was often so crowded that when a fish was hooked three or four lines of other anglers became involved in a tangle. The mouth of the Waitahanui has at present only space for six anglers to fish in comfort and in tho afternoon frequently 18 to 20 rods were to be found in close proximity. Every year tho number of anglers at Taupo increases and with the reser* vation of private waters less accommodation is available. A few tracks below the Spa Hotel on the right bank of tho Waikato River would open up good fishing, and some clearing above the Aratiatia Rapids on the left bank would give further facilities, but tho policy of tho Department of Internal Affairs seems to be only that of collecting licence fees and of doing nothing to assist tho angler in return. Anglers are loud in their complaints of tho Government's apathy and point out that the many thousands of pounds taken in fees justifies some real activity in their interest. The condition of the trout in Lako Taupo still leaves much to be desired, although occasionally a very good fish of seven or eight pounds is taken. In the Waikato Ilivcr tho condition of tho trout below the Huka Falls as far as Aratiatia is exceptionally good. These fish are shy in the bright weather and do not take the fly freely but when one is hooked it puts up a very game fight and fully rewards the patience of the angler. Good fishing exists at Atiamuri on the Waikato River, but the apathy of the Government has permitted the best reaches to pass into the exclusive possession of afforestation companies. Some day, when the public fully realises tho shocking mismanagement that has allowed a priceless asset in trout fishing of hundreds of milea of the Waikato to have been unnecessarily parted with for want of a road reservation along the river bank, there will be a wave of indignation.