TROUT FISHING

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22421, 18 May 1936, Page 11

TROUT FISHING

IMPROVEMENT SOUGHT

TWO IMPORTANT ASPECTS INVESTIGATIONS AT TAUPO [BY TELEGRAPH SPECIAL REPORTER] WELLINGTON, Sunday Investigations to determine whether Lake Taupo and its surrounding streams arc carrying any large proportion of degenerate trout are to be undertaken this winter, according to a decision made by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon. \V. JO. Parry. A meeting of the Upper Waikato and Anglers' Club was held at Tokaanu yesterday, and although weekend meetings of the Cabinet kept Mr. Parry in Wellington he was represented by Mr. W. Heenan, UnderSecretary of Internal Affairs, and Mr. J. Bennett, of the fisheries branch of the department. The Minister forwarded through Mr. Heenan a statement regarding proposed activities for the improvement of trout fishing in the Taupo district.

Mr. Parry said he had beep amazed to find the marked divergence of opinion as to the best lines of future action. It appeared that to every suggestion put forward by ono section of anglers an exactly opposite suggestion would be made by another section. However, it was fairly well established that the two most important aspects for consideration were whether the fish population was too largo or too small and whether there was an adequate supply of fish food. First Point to Decide "The first point to be decided is whether the waters are carrying any large proportion of degenerate fish," tho Minister said. "I have decided that a tributary of the Tongariro should bo netted this year with a view to collecting information on that pcint. 1 realise that degenerate fish, in addition to competing in tho food supply, are not likely to produce good stock. "On the question of food supply an investigation on more extensive grounds than has been undertaken previously is advisable. Trials are being made to ascertain whether koura is plentiful and in spite of transport and other difficulties, Mr. A. Kean, conservator of fish and game, has succeeded in getting smelts down to Lake Taupo. Smelts have been established already in Lake Okareka and Lake Tarawera and fish which are being taken from both theso lakes, particularly Tarawera, are beautiful specimens, both in size and condition." Minister's Assurance Mr. Parry said that one overseas angler who visited New Zealand regularly had stated that tho young, virile rainbow in good condition and about 3|b. in weight was iiis ideal. If the steps being taken by tho department resulted in an increase in size and weight of the Taupo trout so much the bettor, but whether it was possible to have tho bigger fish in quantities sufficient to meet the demands of the increasing roll of anglers remained to be soon.

The Minister gave an assurance that the interests of both Dominion and overseas anglers would always bo watched by his department.