Otago Fish & Game is calling for more public help after three men were spotted illegally catching spawning trout with a net from Bullock Creek in the Wānaka town centre.

A member of the public witnessed the act on Tuesday (August 15) and told the men their behaviour was illegal.

Otago Fish & Game arrived shortly after, having received a complaint, but the men had left by then, Fish & Game officer Bruce Quirey said.

“Bullock Creek is an important spawning stream in the heart of town and no fishing is allowed,” Bruce said.

The creek, which flows from the hatchery springs site off Stone Street and through the township to Lake Wānaka, is an important spawning stream.

Large numbers of rainbow trout are entering Bullock Creek to spawn and can be seen clearly from the water’s edge in the resort’s town centre.

Spawning trout in the creek provide thousands of eggs that support a huge lake fishery already under pressure.

“So these culprits are not just taking a few trout but are potentially robbing the community of many more fishing opportunities,” Bruce said.

At this time of year, most rainbow trout are poor quality eating. 

They lose condition as a lot of their energy goes into the spawning process.

“The oil content in trout and salmon is what gives their flesh a delicious flavour, however, a high proportion of that goes into their eggs and milt during spawning.”

Bruce said Fish & Game rangers based in Wānaka have been alerted and will visit the creek regularly over the next week.

“We are grateful for the tip-off we received, and we’re asking the public to record and report any other suspicious or illegal activity immediately,” he said.

PHOTOS: Wānaka App