Minister wades in to help
A family fishing trip produces the goods. Photo: Love Taupō
Taupō District’s trout bag limits will increase for the new fishing season.
Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager has approved an increase from six, to eight trout, taking effect from July 1.
The increase is designed to improve the quality of fish and create more opportunities for anglers and local businesses, Meager says.
Lake Taupō trout are heavily dependent on their primary food source, smelt, to grow quickly and maintain condition.
Data shows smelt levels are under pressure due an imbalance from a large trout population.
Meager says Taupō spawning streams are often described as ‘hyper productive’, generating huge numbers of juvenile trout annually.
Anglers are essential in maintaining a healthy population.
“Increasing the bag limit is a logical, evidence-based decision. History has shown a collapse in smelt numbers dramatically impacts the size and condition of trout.
“This win-win move will improve fishing conditions, encourage greater participation, put more food on the table for families, and benefit local businesses.
“The Taupo trout fishery is a world-renowned angling destination, attracting visitors from all over the world while providing strong fishing opportunities for locals.
It is a popular fishery with annual sales revenue of around $1.3m generated from the sale of about 30,000 fishing licences.
The fishery supports hundreds of local jobs and contributes to tens of millions of dollars in business turnover.
“It is vital this resource is well managed to ensure its viability for years to come.”
Meager has also approved several minor regulation changes, designed to simplify the rules and make them easier for anglers to understand.
This includes the removal of the fixed February closure at Lake Otamangakau.
Meger says a more responsive management approach will be adopted, which looks closely at predicted weather patterns.
The 2026/27 season for Taupō Fishing District begins on July 1. Season licences will be available to purchase a week before the season begins.