With cooler weather now kicking in, Fish & Game say there's plenty of opportunity for trout fishing ahead for those yet to buy a fishing licence.

Winter season licences became available on April 1, 2019; they provide six months of fishing until the end of September.

Policy and Planning Manager Robert Sowman says that for $78, an adult licence gives you the chance to target trout which are currently feeding up, to get themselves in top condition before spawning.

"It really is a six-month licence that provides for enjoyment in the great outdoors and the chance to take some home healthy wild food for the dinner table."

Robert says that New Zealanders who are planning a big autumn break by combining Easter and Anzac Day with some statutory holidays can get out trout fishing for a modest spend on a winter licence.

However, anyone who is planning to fish for one day or only a week or so has other good options.

Fish & Game caters to Kiwi holidaymakers with well-priced Short Break (three day) and Long Break (nine day) licences.

"Although many tributaries close for winter spawning there are still a large number of main rivers and lakes that remain open to anglers," Robert says.

In the Rotorua Lakes district, nearly all the fisheries remain open until the end of June when some upper reaches of rivers close to protect spawning trout and Lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina close to boat-based fishing.

In the South Island, many lakes and rivers remain open through the winter, with the added bonus than many lakes offer land-locked salmon for the angler.

In Southland, Lake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri offer great fishing, as do Otago lakes like Wakitipu and Wanaka.

For anglers looking for big fish, the Central South Island's famed hydro canals are a ‘must visit' destination at this time of year.

Please check local regulations on the Fish & Game website:

https://fishandgame.org.nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/fishing-regulations/

Or pick up some brochures at your local Fish & Game office.