SURVEY OF FISHING

Chronicle (Levin), 11 December 1946, Page 7

SURVEY OF FISHING

-Press Association

TAUPO AND ROTORUA

By Telegraph—

ROTOKUA, JDec. iu. A report from the Conservator of Pish and Game in Kotorua, Mr. S. McNamara, indicates that thq sport has been average although not outstanding in the Rotorua, Taupo, Waikaremoana and Tokaanu areas since the opening of the season. Taupo reports showed that sport on tlie whole had been up to expectations. One or two limit bags had been made in western bays where anglers had found the best catch. In other parts of the lake the lish had diminished to a great extent due to lack of food which had been destroyed during the recent low ebb. The lower reaches of the Aratiatia rapids had- not yet been opened to anglers. The swing bridge which crossed the Waikato at Huka falls, was under repair and should be safe within two or three days. This bridge was almost completely destroyed by- bush liros this year. At Tokaanu, said Mr. McNamara, .the weather had again been the restraining influence this season. At Major J ones ' pool on the Tongariro River, there had been some excellent catches and several limits. The condition of the lish had been good and sport exciting. The Waiotaka and TaurangaTaupo streams had also yielded fair catches as liad the Whitikau. Parties fishing on the delta had made good catches, the highest being 91bs. All renorted, however, that the Tongariro

was discolouring he'avily each late afternoon owing to the melting of snow on the mountain ranges above. From Waikaremoana come reports of very quiet fishing. Tlie heaviest lish caught there this season is GJlbs. Thc Ruakitori river seems to have fished relatively well, however, and two anglers are veported to have taken 17 fish in one day, the heaviest being '71bs. There appears to be a'n extraordinarily large amount of sniall fish in the lake. The main observation about Rotorua and district camps is that never before have there been so fevv sportsmen trying tlieir luck. No doubt tlie weather has had a lot to do with' it as the fish are in as good condition as can be ex- 1 pected, nor lias there been an untoward scarcity of them. .At Ohau channel several liuiits have l>een secured and there have also been records of nice catches from the Ngongotaha streani.