LAKE ROTOROA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 9 January 1931, Page 3

LAKE ROTOROA

FISHING- DURING HOLIDAYS (From a Correspondent.) During Christmas and New Year quite a number of fishing parties visited the Lake, but owing to the continued fine weather (bright and calm) no big catches were obtained though almost all who fished managed to land one or two per day. Messrs Ensoll, Smith and others camped at the far end of the Lake secured a few good fish, while a party from Westport and Messrs Wardrope, Fisher, Colonel Hume and others staying at Lake House all had small catches. All the fish were in splendid condition, no doubt due to the unlimited supply of natural food obtainable. Very few. anglers tried their ']uck with fly, but at least one was landed by Col. Hume by this means. Excellent sport was obtained by Col. Partridge and Mr Mitchell on Friday evening and Saturday morning last when they landed 19 fish of a total weight of 1341bs or an average of about 71b. weight. Since the Lake has been declared a sanctuary the hawks and large shags are becoming numerous and doing damage. It is "a common sight to see a hawk attack a family of young teal (which are fairly plentiful now), but their number will be considerably reduced by the hawk. The large shag are taking their toll of young trout. Surely (even though a sanctuary) one or two specially authorised persons might be given permission to shoot these pests, and it would be well for the local Acclimatisation Society to give this matter serious consideration. This ideal scenic resort is only now beginning to be known as one of New Zealand’s best beauty spots. For fishing, Mr Flowers, of the accommodation house, has authority to issue licenses.