Good angling manners

Fishing etiquette, or fishing manners, is an important aspect of fishing in the Taupo District.  This is because in some places there are more anglers than there are preferred fishing locations.

Don't be so close to another angler
that you restrict their casting

Take, for example, the Tongariro River.  Our aerial angler counts show that at peak winter river fishing periods, 80+ anglers, and sometimes over 100 anglers will all be fishing the popular Tongariro River at any one time.  Given there are 35 major pools and a few other pockets and runs in the river since the February 2004 flooding, this means that anglers must practice good angling manners and common courtesy while sharing the water.  If anglers adopt a code of practice this will allow everyone reasonable opportunity to fish.

There is a long standing code that anglers voluntarily adopt to make fishing the rivers and lake an enjoyable experience for everybody.  Here are some simple rules:

On the rivers:

If you are fishing one of the smaller rivers and find a pool is already occupied, leave the angler to it and move onto a quiet stretch.

If you are fishing a major river:

• Always enter a pool behind any angler already moving through the pool.
• If the pool is full, wait on the bank until someone leaves or move on to another spot.
• If you are sharing a pool keep moving through it steadily.
• Never push in on an occupied pool.  If you are in any doubt ask those already there whether it is okay with them if you squeeze in.

In all cases:

• If an angler beside you hooks a fish, leave them room to play it and allow them to return to their position after they have landed it.
• If you have hooked several fish in succession in one spot, move a few steps so someone else can get the same opportunity.
• Don't be so close to another angler that you restrict their casting.

On the lake:

• Anglers trolling or harling can have up to 200 metres of line trailing behind their boat.  Give them plenty of room before moving behind so you do not cut their line.
• When parking your boat at a popular spot for flyfishing or jigging, give other boaties room to cast.
• When two boats meet head on they should each alter course to the starboard (right) to avoid collision.  But if you are on the offshore side, avoid forcing the other boat into shallow water where their lines might foul.

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