The countdown is on to the opening of the trout fishing season on Rotorua’s renowned lakes.

Anglers are anticipating hooking up on some hard-fighting trout.    

With a week to go now before the opening on Sunday, October 1, it’s time to check your tackle and make sure everything is ready for the kick-off.

Thousands of anglers are due to hit lakes Rotoiti, Okataina and Tarawera at 5.00am on Sunday for what will be, for many of them, the most anticipated day of the year!

The long range weather forecast for the Bay of Plenty is looking favorable and NIWA expect the summer to be warm which is great news for anglers.

Eastern Fish & Game Officer Mark Sherburn says that early on the fishing can be a little slow on the Rotorua lakes but it usually picks up when the sun hits the water.

Mark says it’s good to have a gameplan, and he suggest the following;

“Shallow trolling with a ‘Tassie’ and a smelt fly is a productive way to begin. If it’s a bright day and there’s lots of boat traffic, expect the fish to move a little deeper.

“If fish disappear from the fish finder early in the morning, try a deeper trolling method such as lead line, wire or downrigger. Fish to where the fish are, put your lure in front of their noses. For choice of lure colour, it’s hard to beat orange early in the season, or something with a touch of red and don’t forget to try the ‘old faithful’ black and gold toby!”

Mark reminds anglers they shouldgive their motor a check over “and give it a test run before they get to the ramp”.

It is important for anglers and other lake users to remember the Check, Clean and Dry message as we roll into summer too, says Fish & Game.

Ensuring local waterways are kept pest free is vital to continued enjoyment of the resource and everyone needs to do their part. A recent outbreak of Freshwater Gold Clam in the Waikato area has heightened the risk.

A variety of trout licences are available now from the Fish & Game website or by visiting an agent.

“Licence agents can also help with tackle and some last-minute tips too.”