A trout liberation at McLaren Lakes and Ruahihi Canal has seen 500 rainbow and 200 brown trout released.

Members of the Tauranga Anglers Club joined Eastern Fish and Game staff in releasing the trout by bucket, with younger club members enjoying helping with the operation.

Emily Blackmore helps dad Wayne release the future stocks for the region.

Some of the trout were anxious to see try out their new home.

The Blackmore family has been part of the Tauranga Angling Club for more than 10 years and says they enjoyed seeing the fish stocks replenished.

Emily Blackmore, 8, played a big part in the release last night.

Her mother Kyla says Emily loves fishing saltwater and freshwater.

'She loves all types of fishing and is pretty good, even beating her dad at a fly-fishing casting competition recently.”

The juvenile trout were dispersed in the canal and three different locations around the lake making for a good spread across the lake.

Eastern Region Fish and Game officer Lloyd Gledhill travelled from Fish and Game headquarters in Rotorua to run last night's operation.

The fish were transported in an aerated tank on the back of his truck, keeping them fit and well before their release.

Lloyd says the trout are at a good age and size to be released. The rainbow trout are about 15 months old, and the brown trout are 18 months old.

'The release went really smoothly, all the fish swum away looking very healthy.”