Central South Island Fish & Game rangers were active at the Mackenzie Basin hydro canal fishery during the night at Labour Weekend.

Checks occurred between 10pm and 4am on Friday night and Saturday morning, with seven individual anglers found - including some recidivist offenders - who committed 12 offences.

Central South Island Fish & Game compliance coordinator Hamish Stevens said their ranging efforts target all hours, day and night, and cover quiet weekdays and busy holiday weekends like Labour Weekend.

“Looking back, we had seven offenders last Labour Weekend as well.”

Offences detected included fishing without a licence, exceeding the daily bag limit and providing false and misleading particulars to a ranger.

Offenders had their fishing rods and illegally caught salmon seized by rangers.

All sports fishing offences are criminal offences subject to the Conservation Act 1987. 

Prosecution and forfeiture of any gear seized can result in proceedings in the District Court.

"All offenders are currently being considered for prosecution before the courts.

"We hope the result of the ranging operation serves as a reminder that sports fishing regulations and licensing must be adhered to, day or night," Hamish said.

Take a kid fishing: Dylan (5) with his first trout caught in Lake Dunstan last season.

Hamish said fishing conditions in Central currently were appealing. 

“The Mackenzie Basin has been fishing well with both the lakes and canals producing fish for anglers.

“Lake Benmore in particular has been great for anglers trolling lures. All rivers within the basin don’t open for fishing until the first Saturday in November excluding the Upper Ahuriri River that opens on the first Saturday in December.”

Nationally, in the previous fishing season there were 105,000 licences issued. Numbers were down as non-residents were unable to come and fish during the Covid-19 boarder closure.

Brush up your knowledge on freshwater fishing and regulations in Otago on the Fish & Game website here. 

PHOTOS: Supplied