The central North Island winter trout fishery is by world terms quite spectacular and us New Zealanders don't realise how lucky we are to have it at our "back door." For most, Rotorua or Taupo is only a matter of a few hours away and is within easy reach for a weekend's fishing.

The popular fishing spots are close to major towns to provide all the home comforts after a few hours spent battling giant trout. Rotorua, Taupo and Turangi have lots of motels, hotels or cabins/motor camps and the tourist-type infrastructure that goes with such areas. Fine up-market restaurants, cafes or down-to-earth truck stops to top up the stomach and hot thermal pools to relax the tired, aching muscles, all help to make an interesting and enjoyable weekend away.

ROTORUA LAKES. The big fish program of the Eastern Region Fish And Game Council has been an outstanding success, and anglers from all over the world come to chance their arm and land a double figure trout. The areas to fish are at Lake Rotoiti, Lake Tarawera or Lake Okatina and you must be aware that only some parts of these lakes are open to angling in the winter so familiarise yourself with the rules.

LAKE ROTOITI is mostly fished at Ruato Bay which is a beach right on the side of the main road between Rotorua and Whakatane. Most anglers fish this beach at night as it's quite shallow and the fish tend to hold out in deeper water until dark. This is not always the case though, and some of the best catches I have ever had were right in the middle of the day, especially at the mouth of the small stream that flows in towards the northern end of the beach. The secret to fishing it during the day is to do so when there is nobody else around to scare the fish out. Use a floating line and a short trace. The most popular flies are glow flies of various descriptions retrieved very, very slowly. The far end of the lake is also a popular spot and there are two places to fish, one is at the little stream mouth by the main road or further along at what is known as the pipe.

LAKE TARAWERA also has it's devotees fishing at the Te Wairoa stream mouth or off the beach right in front of the car park. Some anglers fish off the boat jetties or, if you walk around to the left for a few minutes, you will come to another stream mouth known as the Orchard. At Lake Rotoiti, the chances of catching a large double figure trout are pretty high. Most fly fishers at Lake Tarawera use sinking lines and the glow-type flies, although many of the old fashioned type patterns such as the Craigs Night'n'time, Scotch poacher, hairy dog and so on still work just as well as they ever did.

There are many other good places to fish around the whole Rotorua region and most tackle shops will be only too happy to give you a run down on other likely spots, so don't hesitate to ask. You could also visit the Fish & Game Council in Rotorua for information.

LAKE TAUPO. For many anglers, Lake Taupo is a special place to fish, and every year they make at least one major fishing trip to test their skills on the migrating steelhead trout. Large numbers of these fish run the many rivers flowing into the lake with the Tongariro River at the southern end being the most famous. This river is known worldwide, having earned its reputation through the sheer numbers of large silver trout that test every angler. Many notable dignitaries have fished the Tongariro over the years including Zane Grey, The Queen Mother and US President Jimmy Carter. During the season, it's quite common to recognise film stars and business leaders working their way through a pool just like everyone else. Pools with magic names such as The Duchess Pool, The Major Jones Pool, The Admiral Pool , Judges and so on, every pool is steeped in history and stories of epic fights between angler and fish.

Turangi is well serviced with motels and hotels, as well as restaurants, tackle shops and fishing guides, all catering to the needs of the visiting angler who provide one of the major sources of income for this small town.

If you are not a river fisherman then you can still enjoy a fishing experience on the lake and there are many boat launching ramps all around Lake Taupo or you can employ the services of a fishing guide who will take you right to the hot spots.

If you only have limited time to fish then you should employ a guide at the beginning of your holiday so that the guide can familiarise you with local techniques and acquaint you with some places to try - it might save you a lot of heartbreak in the long run. Most information centres or accommodation houses have lists of fishing guides who they use on a regular basis or, if you are unsure of a potential guide's ability, then check to see if they are a member of the NZ Professional Fishing Guides Association.

Winter fishing opportunities in the Central North Island are vast and exciting with the chance to catch a huge fish very possible. It is for this reason that anglers all over the world dream of one day visiting the region to experience it for themselves. If you live here in New Zealand, then take advantage of this wonderful fishery right on your own doorstep.