Catch a tagged rainbow and ‘strike gold’

Catch a specially tagged rainbow trout and win a $500 voucher!

Two hundred tagged rainbow trout will be released into Lake Argyle and the lower hydro canal, but only one can win a lucky angler a $500 Henderson’s Fishing Store voucher.

Nelson / Marlborough Fish & Game manager Rhys Barrier says the release is timed with the holiday season to encourage families to head to Marlborough’s Lake Argyle and have a go at trout fishing. 

“This special release will inject some real fun and suspense into a day out fishing as excited family members look to see if every fish they catch has a tag that could make them a winner.     

“All 200 rainbows are sporting visible orange or pink tags, but only Fish & Game staff know the number on the fish that will win the voucher.”

Rhys Barrier says “staff are excited to bring this opportunity to licence holders in the holiday season when Kiwi’s love to get outdoors.”

There will also be additional winners as anyone who catches other specifically nominated fish will win a free fishing licence for the 2018-19 season.

Rhys Barrier says there are no entry fees or forms to fill out but anglers must have a current fishing licence, of course. 

An angler who catches a tagged fish needs to simply call or email Fish & Game with their tag number (and preferably a photo of the tagged fish) to see if they’ve bagged the winning fish.

“Lake Argyle itself is a terrific trout fishery, with a very good population of brown and rainbow trout, however the lower canal below the powerhouse has a relatively low population of fish due to the powerhouse blocking fish movement,” says Mr Barrier.

“This release will significantly boost the population in the lower canal and we strongly encourage anglers, new or otherwise, to have a go at them.”

Lake Argyle is located in the Wairau Valley and is about 50 minutes’ drive from Blenheim and 90 minutes from Nelson. 

 The bag limit for Lake Argyle and the lower canal is two fish per day, and trout can be targeted with fly or spin rods, and bait fishing is permitted.

“This area is a perfect place to take your family fishing, with easy access and good numbers of fish” Rhys Barrier says.

“The trout are also superb eating, so if you find yourself hooked into one, don’t be afraid to take it home with you.”

Fish & Game currently have another 2000 rainbow trout ready for release into junior fishing waters and existing rainbow trout fisheries this summer. 

Nelson Fish & Game Office: nelsonmarlborough@fishandgame.org.nz | 03 544 6382