Winter fishing season begins

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 539, 7 June 1994, Page 6

Winter fishing season begins

From 1 June a number of Taupo rivers are closed for trout fishing. DoC Fishery Manager John Gibbs said that the upper reaches of most Taupo rivers close from 1 June to 30 November each year to protect spawning trout. These areas include the Mangamutu Stream, the Waitahanui River above the Te Arero Stream junction, the Hinemaiaia River above the State Highway One bridge, the T auranga-T aupo River above the Rangers Pool (Mangakowhitiwhiti Streamjunction), the Waimarino River above Korohe Crossing, the Waiotaka River from 150 metres above the Hautu Ford and the Tongariro River above the Fence Pool. The lower reaches of these rivers, along

with the Tokaanu tailrace, Lake Taupo and the Waikato River down to Huka Falls can be fished all year round. All rivers entering the western side of Lake Taupo are also closed at this time except for the part of the Kuratau River upstream of the hydro dam. Lake Otamangakau and the upper Kuratau River close on 1 July. John Gibbs said that the illegal poaching of spawning trout peaked over the winter months and he urged all anglers and the general public to report suspicious activity immediately to DoC staff. The Department's Turangi office had a 24 hour answerphone service which enables callers to contact enforcement staff.