Anglers fishing Lake Dunstan this summer may notice rangers asking a few extra questions, as Otago Fish & Game launches a new survey to monitor the long term health of the popular local fishery.

The lake has been added to Otago Fish & Game’s fisheries monitoring programme, with staff and volunteer rangers beginning creel surveys during the peak summer season.

Creel surveys involve interviewing anglers on the water and around the lake shore to gather information on fishing activity, catch rates and overall experiences.

Fish & Game officer Cole Briggs said the Lake Dunstan survey marked an expansion of monitoring work already underway on other Central Otago lakes.

“The Lake Dunstan creel survey has been a great opportunity to get out on the lake and meet local licence holders who regularly fish there,” Cole said.

“We expect to meet many more anglers on this popular lake over the summer holidays.

“The data we collect will help us manage the fishery for our licence holders to enjoy for years to come.”

Similar surveys have been carried out on Lakes Hāwea and Wānaka over the past six years, with three years of monitoring completed on each lake.

During the surveys, Fish & Game staff and rangers collect data on hours fished, fishing methods, species targeted, numbers of fish caught and anglers’ overall satisfaction, which is used to assess the condition of the fishery.

Each month includes four survey days, split between weekends and weekdays, with randomly selected launch times to ensure the data reflects a wide range of fishing activity.

Early survey efforts on Lake Dunstan have coincided with challenging weather conditions.

“We’ve had wild weather throughout spring and early summer,” Cole said.

“Strong winds and high flows have deposited logs and sediment into the lower sections of the lake, creating less than ideal fishing conditions at times.

“However, when conditions have settled, anglers have enjoyed the good fishing opportunities Lake Dunstan provides.”

Alongside the surveys, Fish & Game rangers will also be out in greater numbers over the holiday period carrying out licence checks and offering advice to anglers.

“Be prepared to present your fishing licence when you meet a ranger,” Cole said.

“You’re required to always carry a valid licence when fishing.”

Fish & Game said anglers who have not yet received a physical licence can present a screenshot of their licence on their phone, along with a secondary form of identification.

Otago Fish & Game manages and monitors waterways and wetlands across the region, including both native and introduced species, to support healthy and sustainable fisheries.