Fishing News >May 2008

Anglers Notice Review
2008/9 Proposed Changes

Background
In early February 2008 clubs, guides and the general public were notified of the triennial review of the Anglers notice and invited to make suggestions about changes by the 20th March to have them included in this review. There were 4 responses from clubs and ten from individuals. One of the clubs simply noted that it was satisfied with the current regulations.

Suggested changes
All of the suggestions were put to a full Fish & Game Council meeting held on the 17 April 2008. The Council agreed to review a number of the suggestions and these are described below. Appendix 1 contains the entire list of submissions, with staff and recommendations and Council decision.

Kawarau River Outlet
Current regulation: The current regulations make the use of a boat for the purpose of fishing in the Kawarau River an offence.
Proposed Change: To add the Kawarau River to section 8.5 of Anglers Notice which allows boats to be used for fishing in the outlet reach below Lake Wakatipu.
Comment:  This change will allow boat use with the exception of trolling (which is covered under 8.4)

Dingle River
Current regulation: No special backcountry licencing requirements.
Proposed change: Add the Dingle River to the list of rivers where a Backcountry licence is required.
Comment: Backcountry licences are free and obtainable over the internet or from F&G offices. Eligibility conditions require that the angler holds a adult whole season or a family fishing licence.

Upper Lochy River (above Billy Creek)
Current regulation: Closed to fishing above Billy Creek confluence. No backcountry licence requirements.
Proposed change: To allow fishing in the reach subject to the restrictions such permits and information reporting conditions. Bag limit, season length and method restrictions in line with the lower river. ie Fly only and one trout per day. To require all anglers fishing the Lochy River to hold a backcountry licence
Comment: The upper Lochy River remains a sensitive fishery and a precautionary approach is required. Recording of angler use and catch information will help monitor this reach.

Scented (Plastic) Baits
Current regulation: The First Schedule description under 2.3.5 prohibits the use of lures which have been treated with any chemical preparation other than that used to control buoyancy.
Proposed Change: To provide for scented plastic baits by including them under the definition of ‘Bait’ in the Interpretation section of the Anglers Notice.
Comment: By including scented plastic lures under the definition of bait it will provide for their use in waters where bait is presently an authorised method. As a first schedule change it will require inter regional support to get through but this is not thought to be contentious.

Process
Participants and the public now have an opportunity to make submissions on the proposed changes. These will be summarised and included in the final Anglers Notice recommending report which will be tabled at the June Council meeting. Submitters may request to be heard at the Council Meeting to be held in Clyde on the 19 June 2008

Final submissions must be received by 9 June 2008

If you do wish to make a submission on any of the proposed changes, please use the attached form. Submissions may also be emailed to i.hadland@fish-game.org.nz

Appendix 1

Thankyou

Ian Hadland
Fish & Game Officer

12 May 2008

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