With the summer holidays around the corner, Central South Island Fish & Game is urging anglers to ensure they comply with regulations as the fishing season heats up.

Those fishing for trout, salmon, perch, and other sports fish in freshwater are required by law to hold a valid 2024/2025 sports fishing licence.

Licences must be carried and shown to rangers when requested.

Hamish Stevens, compliance coordinator for Fish & Game, said rangers would be active during the holiday period to monitor anglers’ activities and ensure rules are followed. “Anglers who choose to fish for sports fish without a licence or otherwise break the regulations can expect to end up in court,” said Stevens. “It’s not a risk worth taking and it is much cheaper and less stressful to purchase a licence and follow the rules.”

Fish & Game also reminded anglers to review the sports fishing regulation guide, as rules vary between waterways. Those unsure about regulations or locations to fish can contact their local Fish & Game office for advice. Staff are available to provide guidance on fishing spots, techniques, and the rules that apply to specific areas.

Last season, which ended on 30 September 2024, rangers conducted compliance checks at 45 waterways across the region, interviewing 2,442 anglers. Of these, 107 were found to have committed a total of 120 offences. Fishing without a current licence was the most common infringement, with 54 unlicensed anglers identified. Other breaches included using unauthorised bait, fishing out of season, exceeding bag limits, and providing false information to rangers.

More serious or unusual offences involved obstructing rangers, failing to return unwanted fish with minimal injury, and breaching the sea-run salmon bag limit. A total of 54 offenders faced charges and were summonsed to court, where penalties for breaches can include fines of up to $5,000, criminal convictions, and forfeiture of fishing gear.

This season has already seen 600 anglers checked, with seven offences detected so far.