Anglers yet to have their say on proposed changes to trout fishing rules in the Eastern Fish & Game Region are urged to make their opinion count.

Photo: File.

The Eastern Fish and Game Council have five possible changes to the current fishing rules laid down in the biennial Angler's Notice that could be brought in for next season.

Eastern Fish and Game regional manager Rob Pitkethley says it is important to council that public feedback is heard from as many anglers as possible before pushing ahead with all, or any, of the changes.

'We've done our best to consult as widely as possible and indeed, we've already received a good number of submissions,” says Rob.

'This is your opportunity to be heard – please take it as others have.”

The proposed changes include reducing or removing the maximum size limit for wild trout on Lake Tarawera; removing the autumn no-boat fishing area at Ruato Bay, Lake Rotoiti and opening a section of the lower Ruakituri River to spin fishing and winter angling.

Rob says in all biennial reviews of the Angling Notice, council endeavours to ensure trout fisheries remain sustainable, but at the same time strive to avoid too many restrictions on angling opportunities.

”If trout populations can support a variety of fishing methods, bag limits and season length, then we shouldn't unnecessarily restrict opportunities for people to go trout fishing.”

Council has already received a large number of submissions on the proposal to remove the fly-fishing-only status and open the river to all-year fishing on a section of the lower Ruakituri.

Rob says the idea of allowing some spin fishing and winter open areas in the lower Ruakituri River is proposed to create opportunities for younger or novice anglers to fish in the 'renowned” East Coast river — the lower part of which is at present less heavily fished than the upper reaches, and has few trout spawning areas.

Fish & Game also have a restriction on boat fishing off Ruato Bay during the autumn as part of a three-year trial attracting a number of submissions.

The trial shows that restricting boats is making no difference to shoreline angling success, so there seems little reason to continue these restrictions on fishing opportunities, he said.

All submissions on the five proposals will be reviewed by councillors at a meeting on June 11 with all viewpoints closely examined and discussed before a final decision is made.

The proposals for the 2014-15 season, if adopted, would come into effect on October 1, 2014.

The public can write to Eastern Fish & Game, Private Bag 3010, Rotorua, 3046, or email [email protected] by May 26.

Proposed changes to trout fishing:

1. Reduce or remove the maximum size limit for wild trout on Lake Tarawera.

2. Remove the autumn no-boat fishing area at Ruato Bay (Lake Rotoiti).

3. Open a section of the lower Ruakituri River to spin fishing and winter angling.

4. Consider some bait (bread, insect and worm) fishing opportunities on Lake Okaro or Okareka.

5. Prohibit the use of anchors and motors on the Tuai Lakes (Waikaremoana).