Changes to the Fish & Game Fishing Regulations for the 2008-2009 season

Changes to the Fish & Game sportsfishing regulations effective from 1 Oct 2008 are documented below.

See also the changes to the Taupo fishery regulations effective 1 October 2008.

All Fish & Game regions (FIRST SCHEDULE)
Ban on felt soles A ban on felt soled waders and footwear has been introduced: "2.4 No person shall fish for sports fish by using felt-soled waders or footwear incorporating or having attached a sole of felted, matted or woven fibrous material when sports fishing."
Scented plastic lures The regulations now provide for the use of scented plastic lures in waters where bait is an authorised method: 1. The definition of bait includes "Any scented lure constructed of, or treated with, elements that have chemical attractant properties." "2.3.5 No licence holder when fishing for sports fish shall...use in waters other than those where bait fishing is permitted any lure treated with any chemical preparation other than that used solely to control the buoyancy of an artificial fly."
Northland regulations
No change.
Auckland/Waikato regulations
Ohinemuri River and tributaries including the: - Waitawheta River - Waitekauri River	Reduced to two fish per day as a consequence of drift dive results and angler pressure.
Waipa River	Restored from two back to five fish per day
Eastern/Rotorua regulations
No change.
Hawke's Bay regulations
Open season for most waters	Extended to 1 Oct-30 June (previously 1 Oct-30 April)
Tukituki River	Daily bag limit increased to 4 fish (was 2)
Waipawa River	Daily bag limit increased to 4 fish (was 2)
Taranaki regulations
No change.
Wellington regulations
Lake Waitawa (Forest Lakes)	The tench bag limit at Lake Waitawa (Forest Lakes) is reduced to zero. Anglers must catch & release tench.
Hutt River and its tributaries: - Wainui River - Whakatikei River - Akatarawa River - Mangaroa River - Pakuratahi River	A 450mm maximum size limit now applies to the Hutt River including its principal tributaries. Bait fishing is to be restricted in these waters. The bag limits remain the same as for last year.
Mangatainoka River	A 450mm maximum size limit now applies. Bait fishing is restricted.
Manawatu River upstream of Maunga Road (upstream of Dannevirke)	Length limit altered from 450mm maximum size to no maximum. All fishing methods are allowed. Bag limits to remain the same, i.e. 1 per day.
Rangitikei River between Mangaohane Bridge and the Ohinewaione Stream confluence	Length limit changes from 550mm maximum size to no maxiumum All fishing methods are allowed. The daily bag limit changes from 4 (four) to 2 (two) per day.
Nelson regulations
Acheron River downstream of the Severn confluence	Closed to salmon fishing
Alma River	Closed to salmon fishing. Daily bag limit: 2 fish of which only 1 may exceed 500mm
Anatoki River	Closed to salmon fishing
Fyfe River Leatham River Mangles River Rainy River Rolling River Tinline River Tunakino River	Daily bag limit is 2 fish of which only 1 may exceed 500mm
North Canterbury regulations
No change.
West Coast regulations
Big Totara River downstream of SH6	Open all year for trout fishing
Cascade River downstream of Martyr confluence	Open all year for trout fishing
Central South Island regulations
No change.
Otago regulations
Kawarau River	Boats may be used for fishing in the Kawarau River from its source at Lake Wakatipu to Lake Dunstan. But trolling from a mechanically propelled boat is not permitted.
The Dingle Burn catchment above the bridge on the Dingle Burn Station access road	All anglers fishing Dingle Burn must hold a backcountry licence.
The Lochy River catchment above the confluence with Disputed Creek	Open 1 Nov-31 May Fly fishing only Bag limit: 0 (catch & release only) All anglers fishing the Lochy River must hold a backcountry licence.
Lochy River downstream from the Disputed Creek confluence	Open 1 Nov-31 May Fly fishing only Bag limit: 1 fish
Southland regulations
Oreti River	A back-country licence is no longer required for any section of the Oreti River.
Mataura River and tributaries upstream of Humes' Road Bridge, Garston Oreti River upstream of Oreti Road D43 294185 (Walk Only Zone)	Trophy Fish Zones with a 400mm maximum no longer apply
Eglinton River and its tributaries Mararoa River upstream of the Key Bridge including upper Mararoa and tributaries Oreti River and tributaries upstream of Rocky Point Upukerora River Wairaki River and tributaries upstream of the transmission lines Whitestone River upstream of Prospect Bridge Whitestone River between the Prospect Bridge and Hillside Road Bridge	A change to the bag limit in several headwater streams, to a one fish limit.
Waimea Stream	Season: Trout 1 Oct-30 Apr; Salmon 1 Oct-31 Mar All legal methods are permitted (artificial fly, spinner and bait) Bag limit: Total 2; Salmon 1
Waiau River tributaries downstream from the Mararoa Weir to the sea, except Monowai, Borland and Wairaki river	Season: Trout 1 Oct-30 Apr; Salmon 1 Oct-31 Mar All legal methods are permitted (artificial fly, spinner and bait) Bag limit: Total 2; Salmon 1

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