The answer to why NZ trout are so big is bioenergetics. Plenty of food and the right temperature range contribute to this. When it’s too cold, trout can’t digest food properly even if it is available.
And when it’s too warm, they burn more energy than what they can get from food. The ideal situation for trout, then, is plenty of food and a comfortable temperature range – both of which are found in New Zealand.
How do trout get so big?
How do trout get so big? It’s all thanks to their diet.
While most trout feed on aquatic invertebrates, some will switch to feeding heavily (or even exclusively) on other fish. This allows them to gain weight very quickly. As a result, they can grow to be much larger than their peers.
Where are the biggest trout in NZ?
The Biggest Rainbow Trout in the World – Tekapo Canal, New Zealand.
If you’re looking for the biggest trout in New Zealand, you’ll find them in the Tekapo Canal. The canal is home to some of the largest trout in the world, with fish weighing up to 20kg being caught each year. The average size of trout in the canal is around 2-3kg, making them much larger than the average wild trout.
The Tekapo Canal is a man-made waterway that was built in 1965 to provide irrigation water for farmers in the area. It’s also a popular spot for anglers, as it’s stocked with rainbow trout every year. The canal is located in the Mackenzie Country region of New Zealand’s South Island.
Why do New Zealand trout get so big?
New Zealand trout are some of the biggest in the world, and the reason is bioenergetics. These fish have plenty of food available to them, and they live in a temperature range that is ideal for their growth.
When it’s too cold, trout can’t digest food properly even if it is available. And when it’s too warm, they burn more energy than what they can get from their food. So the perfect conditions in New Zealand allow these trout to reach impressive sizes.
How big do brown trout get in NZ?
In New Zealand, brown trout often reach 800 millimetres and 5 kilograms. Most fish caught by anglers are smaller – typically 1–2 kilograms.
Why is trout not sold in NZ?
Although the sale of trout is technically allowed in New Zealand, it is not currently available for purchase. The reason for this is that there is no legal way to obtain trout to sell – trout farming, selling wild trout, and importing trout are all prohibited by legislation or regulation.
This may seem like a strange situation, but it actually reflects the high value that New Zealanders place on their native fish species. Trout are not native to New Zealand, and were introduced here only relatively recently. As such, they are considered an invasive species and are subject to strict controls designed to prevent their spread.
By contrast, native fish species such as koura (crayfish) and inanga (whitebait) are highly prized by many New Zealanders and fetch high prices on the open market. As a result, there is significant incentive for illegal poaching of these fish – something that would be much more difficult if trout were also being sold legally.
So while you may not be able to buy trout at your local supermarket just yet, rest assured that this decision has been made in the interests of protecting our unique aquatic environment.
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) were first introduced to New Zealand in the early 1880s. They are descended mainly from Californian steelheads – rainbow trout that migrate to sea and spend most of their lives there.
Although they were originally introduced for sportfishing, they have now become an important part of the country’s freshwater ecosystem.
Can you eat trout in New Zealand?
No, you cannot buy or sell trout commercially in New Zealand. The government has placed a prohibition on the sale of trout in order to protect the sustainability of the recreational trout fishery. If you’re looking for trout on a menu, you’ll have to look outside of New Zealand.
How old is a 12 inch trout?
On average, a 12” rainbow trout in the sampled area was at least four years old. However, some fish had attained that length by Age 2 in richer waters.
Where is the best trout fishing in New Zealand?
If you’re looking for some of the best trout fishing in New Zealand, then head to the Motueka River in Nelson. The Eglinton River in Fiordland and the Mataura River in Southland are also great spots for trout fishing. For a real challenge, try fishing for trout in the Buller River on the Nelson and West Coast.
Why can’t you buy trout NZ?
Trout is a popular fish species that is highly sought after by anglers. In New Zealand, however, the sale of trout (except for wild trout) is prohibited.
The reason for this is because there is no way to commercially obtain trout – trout farming, selling wild trout, and importing trout are all prevented by legislation or the CIPO.
This means that the only way to get hold of trout in New Zealand is to catch them yourself. While this may be disappointing for some would-be buyers, it does ensure that there is a healthy population of wild trout in New Zealand’s waterways.
Can you farm trout in NZ?
As of now, it is not possible to farm trout in New Zealand. The country has strict laws in place regarding the buying and selling of wild trout and salmon, making it illegal to do so. However, there are some methods of raising trout that are being trialled in certain parts of the country. If these trials are successful, it may eventually be possible to farm trout on a larger scale in New Zealand.
Where are the biggest trout?
In recent years, the biggest trout have come from hydro canals in New Zealand. However, the IGFA (International Game Fish Association) still recognizes these fish as world record brown trout, despite their diet being influenced by fish farming in the region.
Can you eat wild trout?
Most people would say that fresh trout is some of the best-tasting meat in the world. I have to agree, as I’ve never had a meal that tastes better than a freshly caught and roasted brook trout. However, it’s important to be selective about where you harvest your fish.
