Taupō Fishery Rangers are reporting a “concerning rise” in people breaking the rules when fishing for trout in the district during the peak summer period.

The spike in peak summer trout fishery offences amounts to four times what it was for the same period last summer.

“There has been a concerning increase in people breaking the rules, which can have serious consequences for the fishery,” Department of Conservation (DoC) compliance lead Steve Doughty said.

“Anglers fishing without a valid licence was a common problem. Every angler must have a valid Taupō District fishing licence, which directly funds the ongoing management and protection of this special fishery.”

DoC manages the Taupō Fishing District as a sustainable wild trout fishery, attracting thousands of anglers each year.

Fishing regulations are in place to protect the future of the fishery, with a team of DoC Fishery Rangers patrolling the fishery to ensure everyone follows the rules while fishing local lakes and rivers.

Doughty said the Taupō trout fishery was well-known globally, and an entire section of the DoC website was dedicated to it – including information on the need for a valid licence, how to obtain one, and the fishery regulations.

“Other offences included using prohibited tackle, using more than one fishing rod per person, fishing within 200m of a marker pole at a stream or river mouth, as well as more technical licence-based offences such as non-family members fishing on family licences.

“These offences were often due to people not familiarising themselves with the regulations, being in a rush to get on the water and go naturing through fishing, or just ignoring the regulations and hoping not to get caught.”

Doughty said those caught breaking the rules face formal warnings and fines of $400, and their fishing gear may also be seized.

During the holiday peak of December 2022 and January 2023, a total of 21 Taupō fishery offences were detected. There was a reduction for the same period in 2023-24, with half that number of offences.

But this season (summer 2025-26) Fishery Rangers dealt with 40 offences – nearly four times those in the same period prior.

“The fishery is regulated for good reason. DoC staff urge people to make sure they have a valid Taupō District fishing licence before they start fishing. Importantly, anglers should read and understand the fishing regulations.

“That way they can enjoy their fishing, secure in the knowledge they are supporting this magnificent wild trout fishery.”