TROUT FISHING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25851, 23 May 1945, Page 3

TROUT FISHING

Sir, —Evidently the time has arrived when anglers of experience are awakening to the fact that that most conservative of conservative public bodies, the Acclimatisation Society, is not functioning as it should. " Old Angler,” in your issue of May 18, is correct in saying that many anglers do not now consider it worth while to take out a fishing licence, because there are no fish in the rivers to catch.

My immediate concern is the discouragement experienced by young anglers who cannot visit distant rivers by motor car. These who go to the rivers near Dunedin seldom if ever catch a trout in a whole season. In fact, on rivers such as the Shag and the Waikouaiti these young anglers, and older ones too, might just as successfully turn their backs to the river and fish in the paddock behind them.

I understand that it has been pointed out to the Acclimatisation Society time and again thjt stocking fresh-wat.er lakes and rivers with sea fish; as at present is done, is just attempting the impossible if sport is expected, and so the freshwater trout which used to give such line sport are now almost extinct owing to the eels now having complete control. I would be very sorry to see it, but if the present method of fish propagation is continued, then the authority to control the fishing in Otago must be taker, from the Acclimatisation Society.—l am, etc., Waltonian