The keenest of trout fishers braved the wet conditions on Saturday to celebrate the opening of the new trout fishing season.

Constant rain early in the day as the boats were heading out onto lakes Rotoiti, Okataina and Tarawera did ease off later, but blue skies were in short supply.

The smiles of success on the faces of anglers however weren't dampened by the weather. Catch rates were on par with those of previous openings except on Lake Okataina which produced high fish numbers.

Fat looking trout, now destined for the fish smoker, were the order of the day with Tarawera fish, in particular, standing out for their top condition.

Fish & Game's Matt Osborne says the fish measured from Lake Tarawera were outstanding.

'With what we've seen to date, the size and condition of the young hatchery Tarawera 2-year old fish were better than last season by a good measure.

'Okataina and Rotoiti's fish were only very slightly lighter than last year but Rotoiti's fish were a little longer.”

The heaviest fish for the day, a three-year old hatchery release from Lake Rotoiti tipped the scales at 4.1kg

Fish & Game rangers were present at most of the boat ramps carrying out surveys and compliance checks.

'We talked with hundreds of anglers, but the weather did keep some people away in the end.”

All of the anglers Fish & Game spoke with were fully compliant.

Sunday's weather was much improved, and anglers made the most of the opportunity to get out there.

Catching up with friends and family is a key part of trout fishing in the region and Fish & Game was delighted to see so many families on the water.

A special family fishing licence is available.

While the opening day celebrations are a big event for Rotorua, some of the best trout fishing actually lay ahead over the summer period.

'Warmer spring conditions will bring fish onto the feed and the lakes fish really well in spring and summer when smelt are on the move.”