Big trout release before Easter weekend

Fish & Game Eastern region released trophy-sized rainbow trout on Wednesday, 5 April, some weighing more than seven kilogrammes, into Lake McLaren to boost the fish population.

The release of 20 big trout is an opportunity for anglers to catch a massive trout over the long Easter weekend.

Fish & Game stocks the lake every spring with 1500 young yearling brown and rainbow trout of about 18cm, which grow into fish of about 1.5 or 2kg, making up the bulk of the lake’s fish. They are reasonably easy to catch from the shore with simple spinning or fly fishing gear.

The trophy fish release on Wednesday, however, offers a special opportunity, explains Fish & Game’s Mark Sherburn.

“Once a year, we take a few big fish from one of our display ponds at the Ngongotaha hatchery and let them go around the region. It’s a promotional release to get people pumped about trout fishing. McLaren is so close to Tauranga, and a wonderful spot for a family outing, we think it’s an excellent project.”

In the past, several big fish have been landed by lucky anglers and Fish & Game said they would be keen to hear of fishing success after the fish release. 

Fishing for trout requires a fishing licence and several licence options are available, including adult day fishing licences, family, junior, and a winter licence.