Authorities say the proposal to simplify some fishing rules would provide more opportunities for anglers.

Fish and Game Eastern Region is reviewing the rules which apply to fishing for trout in its waters, including Tauranga, Rotorua Lakes, Waikeremoana and the East Coast.

Officer Matt Osborne says some of the proposed changes came from comments submitted by anglers.

'Changes have been raised to simplify the current rules, which have been criticised as unnecessarily complex.

'What we propose is good news for veteran anglers and novices alike. The bottom line is greater opportunities for anglers and now the Fish and Game Council is asking anglers to consider the suggestions and write in with their feedback.”

The regulations, applying to the winter shoreline fisheries on Lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina, have been identified as particularly complicated.

Matt says this is due to rules governing fishing methods in particular areas at certain times.

'The council proposal is that ‘fly fishing only' periods for all the winter shoreline sites on these lakes would only come into effect from April 1.

'This would mean far more opportunities for shoreline spin-fishing anglers over summer, but less for these spin fishers during the winter when they're not normally too active in any case.”

Another proposed change would see all waters in the region open at the beginning of October, providing anglers with more fishable waters earlier.

The council is suggesting all fishing waters open after winter on the traditional date of October 1, rather than some remaining closed until December.

This would open up angling opportunities in areas such as the upper Ngongotaha, Waiteti and Utuhina streams (Rotorua), and the Mokau and Hopuruahine Streams in Waikaremoana (East Coast).

Matt says the proposals for the upcoming season, if adopted, would come into effect on October 1.