New size limit and wading boot rules for Taupo trout anglers

10 September 2008

The Department of Conservation has changed some of the rules for trout fishing at Taupo.

From 1 October 2008 the minimum legal size for trout from Lake Taupo and most tributary rivers will be reduced from 45 centimetres to 40 centimetres. The 40 metre maximum cable length and weighted line restrictions for downriggers will be removed and a number of minor amendments will clarify the intent of other provisions of the Taupo Fishery Regulations.

Of particular significance is a restriction on the use of felt-soled waders and wading boots by anglers. Taupo Fishery Area Manager, John Gibbs, says this is to ensure consistency around the country with a similar restriction approved by the Minister of Conservation for Fish and Game regions. Because felt and fabric soles are difficult to clean they are a high-risk potential vector for the invasive freshwater algae didymo.

“While this is one step to dealing with the didymo risk, it is not a silver bullet solution and anglers should be as vigilant as ever in ensuring they follow the Check-Clean-Dry procedure for all their fishing gear,” John Gibbs said. “In particular, all waders, wading boots and other fishing gear should be disinfected and thoroughly dried for at least 48 hours. Ideally, absorbent items like wading boots should be frozen overnight, before being used in new water”. The department has been heartened by the responsible attitude most anglers are taking to reduce the risk of spreading didymo within New Zealand.

The reduced size limit will allow anglers to keep many of the smaller, better-conditioned trout they catch and reduce waste from that proportion of fish that may die after being released. John Gibbs said this was a positive move for the fishery and will also remove some angling pressure from larger trout, allowing them to mature and breed.

The changes had been discussed with the Taupo Fishery Advisory Committee and other key fishery stakeholders over some time and it was agreed they were necessary to both protect the fishery as well as improve angling opportunities. “The fishery is a vitally important component of the tourism industry that underpins the economy of the Taupo district and is still a world-class recreational resource” said John Gibbs. “Trout size and condition have been through something of a downturn lately, not uncommon in wild fisheries subject to the vagaries of nature. There are now signs of improvement and these measures will support that.

The new rules will be widely publicised prior to their introduction on 1 October. Detailed information can also be found on the DOC website (www.doc.govt.nz) under the Taupo Fishery pages.