People wanting to go trout fishing in the Bay of Plenty are being advised to get their Winter Trout Fishing licence before heading out on the water.

The adult winter licence saves 40 per cent off the price of a whole season licence and is valid from the beginning of April until the end of September.

While some streams close over winter to allow trout populations to recuperate, many waters stay open year-round providing lots of opportunities especially around the Rotorua lakes fishery.

'Lakes Rotoiti, Tarawera and Okataina close to boat fishing at the end of June, but some special shoreline fishing areas are open all year. The rest of the Rotorua lakes remain open, so there's no shortage of places to fish,” says Fish & Game's Matt Osborne.

Matt says Fish & Game are always happy to tell people where to try their luck.

During winter, trout are also in prime condition as they build toward spawning, so there's a good chance of catching the fish of a lifetime.

A large range of trout licence options are available including an adult winter licence, a short break license (3 days), single day licences for people who might just want to give it a go and junior licenses.