Whitebait in Otago were ''looking better than in other parts of New Zealand'', and senior ranger for coastal Otago Pete Ravenscroft predicted a good season overall, because ''every third season seemed to be a good one''.
Mr Ravenscroft said Doc was able to monitor whitebait numbers around the country because of diaries kept by whitebaiters last year.
''Their feedback on catches and time spent on the river shows, despite whitebait numbers declining overall in New Zealand, Otago numbers may have slightly improved in recent years.''
Doc coastal ranger Ciaran Campbell said whitebaiters were not obligated to keep diaries of their catches.
''It's something that we're asking them very nicely to do,'' he said.
''But it's also in their interest to keep an eye on how they go for the season.''
Doc would be checking whitebaiters were complying with the rules throughout the season.
''There's no excuse for not complying with the regulations,'' Mr Ravenscroft said.
Whitebaiting season runs from tomorrow to November 30, and fishing is allowed between 5am and 8pm until the start of daylight savings on September 28. From then, whitebaiting is allowed between 6am and 9pm.
Illegal whitebaiters could be issued a maximum fine of $5000.
