Anglers are being advised not to put their fishing gear away too early with plenty of productive trout fishing still to be had around the region.

Fish & Game NZ is urging anglers to broaden their horizons by trying the lakes and rivers that remain open over the winter months, different methods of shoreline fishing, and even sampling what other regions have to offer.

Spokesman Grant Dyson says some anglers tend to call it a day too early as some of the most popular waters close.

'Some lakes still have areas where you are permitted to fish from the shoreline using a fly rod or spinning set, there are other lakes that remain open for boat fishing, and many rivers remain open all year or have a longer season in certain regions.”

Anglers are also being advised to consult their Sports Fishing Regulation booklet, or visit the Fish & Game website, where they'll discover a wealth of fishing opportunities available over the cooler months.

Grant says in the Rotorua lakes region, for example, while popular lakes like Tarawera and Rotoiti close at the end of June, Rotorua, Rotoehu and Rotoma, are among those still open to boat fishing.

A number of streams and rivers also remain open to angling.

'The more days you fish, the better the value you're getting out of your season fishing licence and if it's a bit cold or wet for other pursuits, it can still be perfect for fishing.

'Of course, the trout spawning season which usually begins in April provides a range of opportunities to target trout, as fish begin to gather at stream mouths before making their way up streams to spawn.”

Grant says the fish being caught at this time of year are in prime condition and make for very good eating, smoked or prepared in a variety of other ways.

'It's a very satisfying thing to prepare and cook food you've gathered yourself and you'll find some recipes on the Fish & Game website.”

He says it's also timely to remind people their fishing licence covers the whole of New Zealand.

'If you're heading from Auckland to the South Island for a holiday, take a fly fishing and spinning rod along – for a different fishing experience.”

Grant says boat fishing in the Eastern region may be coming to an end on lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina, but there other lakes, rivers and streams open all year.

Boat fishing ends for the season on these lakes on June 30, but parts of all three are still open for shoreline fishing.

Lakes including Rotorua, Rotoehu and Rotoma all remain open to boat fishing past the end of June.

The June 30 closure also covers the upper reaches of some of the local Rotorua streams such as the Ngongotaha, Waiteti and Utuhina, as well as the Ohau Channel.

But the lower parts of some of these streams can still be fished.

For further information on fishing spots still open visit the Fish and Game website at www.fishandgame.org.nz