Photo: 123rf
The freshwater fishing season is now open and anglers can expect to reel in a good number of healthy, big trout or salmon throughout the country.
Fish and Game's chief executive said about 130,000 people have purchased fishing licences and there was an increasing number of women who were getting hooked.
Corina Jordan said it had been a good winter for fish stocks, thanks to stable river flows and plenty of food so they were in a good condition.
"They are quite big so you are looking [at] four or five pounds in some areas. It looks like the fishing is going to be excellent.
"There is great fishing throughout New Zealand and you can just about go anywhere and find a good spot on the rivers."
Jordan said fishing 'hot spots' including the Rotorua lakes, and the Mohaka and Rangatikei rivers are expected to be as popular as ever.
She said it was important for all anglers to respect each other while casting their lines.
"It can get a little bit competitive on the water and we are doing a bit with angling etiquette.
"If you are seeing another angler on the water say hello and wish them a good day, and then try to give them a bit of space."
Jordan said every region had its own regulations about the size and number of fish anglers could keep - all of which were written on the licences.
Finally, she said there were "definitely" some monster trout in many rivers, but declined to say exactly where.
