The trout population in Lake McLaren and the Ruahihi Canal in the lower Kaimais has just risen by a few hundred fish.

Fish & Game released 700 trout into the lake and canal on Monday.

Young trout being fin-clipped before release.

Fish & Game Officer Mark Sherburn says the fishery is an excellent one which can even be said to be a little under-used from a fishing perspective.

'It doesn't come under the same sort of pressure as more popular spots around Rotorua, so an angler can be assured of being able to get out and fish a peaceful and idyllic spot.

'Another big plus is the clear water which means that fish are very visible – they can often be seen mooching around the shallows on the hunt for some food.”

The lake and canal are an ideal place to take children to introduce them to trout fishing using some easy spin fishing techniques, says Mark.

Mark says that 700 is in fact quite a high stocking rate compared with some of Fish & Game's larger releases into the Rotorua lakes, but it doesn't necessarily equate to a high catch rate.

Lake McLaren offers year round fishing with a bag limit of two trout and no size restriction. There are plenty of spots for fly or spin fishing from the shore but fishing from motorised craft is not permitted.

'For families visiting the lake, a family licence, which permits two adults and two children or grandchildren to fish under the one licence is a great value option.

'But for information on licences, including Short Break and Long Break ones which cater for holidaymakers, visit: http://fishandgame.org.nz/licences.”