TRM inmates are delighted.  For dedicated Lake O (Otamangakau) anglers this will be the best news they get in 2026.

The local “Taupo & Turangi News” reports Hunting & Fishing Minister, James Meager – quote: “Meager has also approved several minor regulation changes, designed to simplify the rules and make them easier for anglers to understand.

This includes the removal of the fixed February closure at Lake O.”“The Taupo trout fishery is a world-renowned angling destination, attracting visitors from all over the world while providing strong fishing opportunities for locals.  It is a popular fishery with annual sales revenue of around $1.3 million generated from the sale of about 30,000 fishing licences.”  This should be a major concern as it is less than half the number sold when we moved to TRM over 20 years ago.

The decision to increase the bag limit from 6 to 8 is logical and evidence-based.  Amongst the several minor regulation changes is a biggie as for the last few seasons, there has been an uncomfortable rumble from anglers about the Department of Conservation (DOC) revision of their regulations controlling the fishing seasons at Lake O.  In particular, they claimed the closure of the lake in February each year was simply ridiculous. They have since been proven correct.  

Special thanks to the anglers’ committee who prepared the submission to DOC plus representations to TFAC (Taupo Fishing Advisory Council), with compelling evidence presented from their consultant – the marine biologist photo below – who had benefited from research on many trout lakes in North America.  This appears to have been the turning point in DOC’s previously inflexible attitude.

Wonderful news for anglers.

SWMBO awaits their advice on changing many of their January bookings to February.  January was always too crowded in the middle of school holidays.