Eastern Fish and Game staff are reminding Rotorua holidaymakers not to forget what's at their back doorstep – with the lakes in the Eastern Region classed as one of the top trout fishing locations in the world by overseas anglers.

Fish and Game officer Mark Sherburn says while he wouldn't try to talk an angler out of a trip to somewhere exotic, he asks 'why leave home when Rotorua's lakes and rivers are right up there in the world class fishing stakes?”

Trout fishing is a family affair as well, as shown here by youngsters Toby and Ruby Roche, aged 9 and 10, with some great fish.

'It is great fishing, accessible to Kiwi families without a big spend.”

To be successful, visiting anglers and families are advised to study weather patterns and what affect it has on trout behaviour, says Mark.

'Water temperatures are frequently topping 20 degrees Celsius when trout head for a cool refuge – either going deep during the day or moving into cooler in-flowing water, such as spring-fed streams,” Mark says.

'By mid-January expect the thermocline, a layered band of water where the temperature change occurs; trout will spend most of their daytime at this location.”

Mark says Lake Rotorua's stream mouths are also a key area during periods of warm weather. 'Cool water stream mouths are the places to be, as trout congregate in their thousands.”

Browns and rainbows are swimming up the Ngongotaha and Waiteti streams –and shore-based anglers are advised to target the stream mouths after dark.

Fish and Game staff trapped and released 30 brown trout per night during a 10-night sampling period through their Ngongotaha Stream trap in November, with the average weight recorded being nearly three kilograms.

For boaties new to trout fishing, Eastern Fish and Game staff are holding a free boat fishing talk at Stoney Point reserve, off Spencer Rd, Lake Tarawera, on Saturday, January 4, from 10am.

No booking is required, but staff recommend bringing a fold-out chair, sun hat and rain coat.

Eastern Fish and Game staff are also urging anglers to remember to carry their fishing licences, after encountering a number of people breaking this rule.

'It makes life easier for all if you remember this requirement,” says Mark.

'Anyone who fails to carry it has to present it later, so to prevent unnecessary paperwork for us – and tying up your valuable holiday time – please carry your licence.”