Anglers are now counting down the days to the opening of the fishing season on Rotorua's renowned lakes – hoping to hook some hard-fighting trout.

Lakes Rotoiti, Tarawera and Okataina, which have been closed and ‘rested' over winter, will open to anglers from 5am on Tuesday October 1.

Healthy rainbow caught in Lake Tarawera last opening. Photo: Mike Firth.

Lake Tarawera is most likely to be the busiest destination at the opening, says Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne.

'Historically, Tarawera has drawn the most anglers as the lake provides good early season catch rates, it's picturesque and it has plenty of sheltered spots to fish.”

Matt says because of recent conditions, Lake Okataina may provide the largest two year-old hatchery fish and Lake Rotoiti always manages to produce some stunning fish.

Most trout caught at the opening will be two-year-old fish as they are the most abundant group of fish above the minimum size of 35cm.

Eastern Fish & Game is hoping for better catch rates early in the season as a result of a new approach to releasing hatchery-bred rainbows.

Fish & Game Officer Mark Sherburn says initially, and before the sun gets on the water, the fishing is often slow but picks up during the first few hours of daylight.

'Shallow trolling with a ‘tassie' and a smelt fly is a successful way to begin. If it's sunny and there's lots of boat traffic, expect the fish to move a little deeper.

'Under these conditions adopt a deep trolling method such as lead line, wire or downrigger.

It's hard to beat orange as a lure colour early in the season, or something with a touch of red and don't forget to try the ‘old faithful' black and gold toby.”

Mark says anglers should have given their motor a check over 'and given it a test run before they get to the ramp”.

He suggests they check over their fishing gear too.

'Check the line-to-leader connections, dab a little grease on the spindle of your reels, and buy some fresh mono when you go to the tackle store to buy your new licence.

'If you plan to hit the water early, then make sure the navigational lights are working and remember to have lifejackets for everyone.”