Eastern Fish & Game

Great coverage for the region and with stunning trout like this towards the end of the season you know its going to be a great start on the 1 October!

2026-27 LICENCES ON SALE NOW!
Cast! Catch! Enjoy!

The 2026-27 freshwater fishing season opens 1 October, and licences are on sale now.

Get in early so the run-up to opening day is all about the good stuff: sorting your gear, lining up trips with mates, and choosing good spots.

New this season, we've launched the Fishing Knowledge Hub, your one-stop online home for everything freshwater fishing. From choosing gear and reading the water to techniques and preparing your catch, plus a growing library of how-to videos.

New Zealand is rated among the best freshwater fishing destinations in the world, and it's right on your doorstep. Buy your licence, explore the Hub, and we'll see you out there.

Buy your licence here: https://fishandgame.eslltd.co.nz/

New to freshwater fishing or after handy tips and info? We've got you covered. Everything you need for freshwater fishing in New Zealand, all in one place.

Check out our Fishing Knowledge Hub: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/fishing-knowledge-hub

We have been approached by a Masters Student at Lincoln University who is carrying out a survey on water quality at local fly fishing locations. We have included details below:
.........................................
Kia ora tatou,

My name is Ice, and I am a Master’s student at Lincoln University. I am currently undertaking my dissertation research on water quality, trout habitat, and fly fishing in the Lake Rotorua streams. Please note that the Hamurana Stream is only open to fishing downstream of the Hamurana Road bridge.

I am personally very passionate about fly fishing, which inspired me to choose this area as the focus of my research. I am inviting fellow fly-fishing enthusiasts to take part in a short survey. Your experiences, knowledge, and perspectives would be incredibly valuable to my research and will help me better understand the relationship between water quality, trout habitat, and recreational fishing.

I would also like to sincerely thank Fish & Game for their support in sharing this survey with the fly-fishing community.

I would really appreciate your time and contribution. If you know someone who might be interested in taking part, please feel free to share this survey with them.

Please access the survey via the link below:

https://lincoln.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2hHKxgDdIYX0GKG

Thank you very much for your support!

Ngā mihi nui
Ice

Last shot at upland game for 2026!

This Sunday, 30th August, is the last day for hunting pheasant, Californian quail, and pūkeko across the region, and black swan in area A1.

Dust off that smoothbore for the weekend and top up the freezer!

Jaime doing what he does best! 👏

Shoreline smelters

Nice way to start the day this morning chasing a few of these guys around….. Smelt patterns were the flavour of the morning 🙌💥

Rotorua Hunting and Fishing*Manic Tackle Project

Bookings are now being taken for the next Children's fishing event, Sunday 6th September.
https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/follow-the-fish/fishing-news/childrens-fish-out-days-ngongotaha-trout-hatchery-rotorua/

The Eastern Fish & Game team at the NZ Fishing Hunting & 4X4 Expo
Stand 40. Come say hi and enter to win a Kilwell Sports smoker!

Starts from today at 3pm!

Come and visit us at the NZ Fishing Hunting & 4X4 Expo Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Our team will be on-site #40 to chat, and we'll have some lucky -draw spot prizes too!

Come and visit us at the NZ Fishing Hunting & 4X4 Expo Friday, Saturday and Sunday!

Our team will be on-site #40 to chat, and we'll have some lucky -draw spot prizes too!