Fish and Game Otago has so far been taking more of an ''educational'' approach with some inexperienced fishermen this season.
Chief executive Ian Hadland said there were a ''new crop of anglers'' who had started using the lower Clutha River.
They included tourists and casual workers.
''There are people here who are new to the region who see the river as a resource and perhaps don't understand the rules as well as the locals do.
''For those people they need a reminder that it's not just a free-for-all.''
About 12 unlicensed anglers have been given verbal warnings this season, but now rangers have been instructed to fine anyone breaking the rules.
Another 12 people were prosecuted this season, including a man last month who had to pay $880, including court fees and other payments.
Another two were before the courts.
Offenders generally had their fishing gear seized, he said.
The lower-Clutha River was a small ''hot spot'' of infringements, as was the lower Taieri, to a lesser extent.
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