Anglers hoping to hook some hard-fighting trout are preparing for the opening of the annual trout season tomorrow.

Lakes Rotoiti, Tarawera and Okataina, which have been closed and ‘rested' during winter will open to anglers from 5am on Tuesday.

Anglers are getting ready for trout fishing season next week.

Lake Tarawera is most likely to be the busiest destination at the opening, says Fish and Game officer Matt Osborne.

'Historically, Tarawera has drawn the most anglers as the lake provides good early season catch rates, it's picturesque and it has plenty of sheltered spots to fish.

'Because of recent conditions Lake Okataina may provide the largest two-year-old hatchery fish and Lake Rotoiti always manages to produce some stunning fish.”

Most trout caught at the opening will be two-year-old fish, as they are the most abundant group of fish above the minimum size of 35cm.

Eastern Fish and Game is hoping for better catch rates early in the season as a result of a new approach to releasing hatchery-bred rainbow trout.

Matt says fish have been introduced to the lakes in smaller monthly batches in a staggered approach, instead of big ‘single shot' liberations, in a bid to improve survival rates.

'Improving survival rates through this staggered method will lead to better catch rates. As each trout costs us about $3 it means that anglers are effectively getting more value from their licence fees.”

Environmental conditions have been favourable for trout growth, says Matt.

'We expect that warmer water temperatures in the lakes during winter will have produced better-than-average winter trout growth, so our staff are looking forward to seeing the size of fish, compared with last season.

'Lake Rotorua, which remains open during winter, has produced rainbows of an improving size and quality.”

Fishing tips

Eastern Fish & Game are offering a few tips on techniques to use on opening day.

Officer Mark Sherburn says initially, and before the sun gets on the water, the fishing is often slow but picks up during the first few hours of daylight.

'Shallow trolling with a ‘Tassie' and a smelt fly is a successfully way to begin. If it's sunny and there's lots of boat traffic, expect the fish to move a little deeper.

'Under these conditions adopt a deep trolling method such as lead line, wire or downrigger. It's hard to beat orange as a lure colour early in the season, or something with a touch of red and don't forget to try the ‘old faithful' black and gold toby.”

Mark says anglers should have given their motor a check over 'and give it a test run before they get to the ramp”.

'Check the line-to-leader connections, dab a little grease on the spindle of your reels, and buy some fresh mono when you go to the tackle store to buy your new licence.”