Bay of Plenty's trout stocks are once again replenished following the annual release of 700 yearling trout at McLaren Falls Park and the Ruahihi Canal.

Members of the Tauranga Anglers Club joined Eastern Fish and Game staff in releasing the trout by the bucket-load last night, with younger club members enjoying helping with the operation.

Josh Hudson, 9, takes a turn at releasing fish into the Ruahihi canal. Photo: Fish & Game.

Lake McLaren offers year-round fishing with a bag limit of two trout and no size restriction. The lake and canal are stocked every November with rainbows and browns, but also have some wild fish.

Fish & Game Officer Mark Sherburn says 500 rainbow and another 200 browns were released at spots around Cherry Bay and in the canal after being transported from their Ngongotaha hatchery.

'As always,” says Mark, 'Tauranga Anglers Club members and their kids turned up and it turned into quite a fun event as they helped with the release.

'We don't use our big ‘live trout truck' for this release because of the number of fish involved. We have a tank on the back of a ute and are able to scoop out a bucket-full of fish and hand it a to club member or child to give them the pleasure of tipping these hyped up young trout into the water.”

One of the key messages Fish & Game are trying to get across this season is that new Tauranga residents in particular may not be aware of the good trout fishing on offer on their doorstep.

Mark says Fish & Game takes great pleasure in giving keen anglers and their families a real hands-on experience and a small part in the annual re-stocking.

'And it's always intriguing to hear their stories of what fish they've caught and exactly where,” he adds.

Tauranga club members have contributed directly over the years in various ways, including assisting in the preparation of material for local brochures, and serving as honorary rangers.

Mark says the lake in its park setting offers a very family-friendly fishing destination, with lots of picnic spots near the water and slow vehicle access.

'It is close to the perfect spot for locals to introduce their kids to trout fishing in a great outdoor setting without any fast river hazards,” says Mark.

'As always, we advise people to think hard about buying a family licence which permits two adults and two children or grandchildren to fish under the one licence, while the primary licence holder can still go out on their own.”