Sustainable Fishing in New Zealand and Fishing Regulations

The Trout fishery of New Zealand is an absolute fragile, finite resource and is under ever-increasing angling pressures. The fishing waters are often of an independent system (not supported by a large lake) and killing a healthy adult fish can leave a void that may take years to replace. It has been said that in the wild only one in every two thousand eggs grows to be a breeding adult. New Zealand Trout App strongly supports ‘Catch and release’, particularly in remote headwaters of rivers and smaller streams. It is highly likely that the fish you catch only exists due to the angler before you doing their part. By resting water after fishing (for weeks ideally), not repeatedly fishing the same section of water, and practicing catch and release are excellent steps towards better sustainability and improved fishing experiences.

PURCHASE YOUR TROUT FISHING LICENSES BELOW

New Zealand, National freshwater license (Excluding Taupo region).

Taupo region freshwater license

REGULATIONS:

To view the latest Fish and Game Fishing Regulations: Click HERE.

To view the latest Taupo Fishing Regulations: Click HERE

For an excellent clip showing releasing trout to maximize survival, watch below.

SPAWNING FISH ETIQUETTE FOR SUSTAINABILITY

During 'Late Season' or in the months of April-June, anglers may come across fish that have 'paired up' or two trout swimming in pairs and almost flirting with each other. This will be a Jack (male) and hen (female) building a relationship in preparation for spawning. NZ Trout App strongly advises NOT to deliberately target these fish and interrupt this event despite often within legal regulations. An excellent example of this is by pro fishing guide Alex of Trippin on Trout in the below video. After an all-time day, paired-up fish are found... And left alone to complete their intimate event alone undisturbed.

CAPTURING PHOTOS AND CARING FOR YOUR CATCH (CATCH AND RELEASE)

If we're going to release landed trout, we may as well do it with care and thought of the fish's well-being. We here at NZ Trout App try to minimize the fish even leaving the water entirely but it is truly a personal decision of the angler and taking into account any environmental impact (scorching hot sun or water temps) or fatigue shown by the subdued fish. But if you wish to take images of your epic landed trout, take all things into consideration. An excellent guide is brought to us here by Mike of Latitude Guiding and is shown in the video below.