The shocking start to Otago's freshwater fishing season, when 21 infringement notices were issued in the first month, has subsided, Fish and Game says.
Fish and Game Otago operations manager Ian Hadland said holiday angler behaviour had been "exemplary'' and people were starting to get the idea that fishing without a licence was not worth it.
"Rangers have done a heap of compliance interviews and only a handful of offences have been detected over the holiday period, which is great.''
Non-compliance usually peaked about this time during the season, Mr Hadland said.
"People get to these beautiful locations and succumb to the temptation of picking up a rod and having a few casts. That can be an expensive few casts.''
People caught fishing without a licence could expect a fine of up to $5000.
Greater compliance was reflected in licence sales where the sale of day licences was up 19% on last year and 7% overall.
Mr Hadland felt a price reduction from $25 to $20 on day licences and the introduction of a new three-day licence had helped improve levels of compliance.
"It's hard to point to any one reason, but the new catagories introduced, which better fit with holiday anglers, has played a part.''
The good weather had also helped boost licence sales, Mr Hadland said.
As for the catching of fish, it had been "patchy''.
"The guys that are getting up early and staying out late are doing the best.''
Open season in Otago closes at the end of either April, May or September.
The Greenstone River upstream of Sly Burn confluence closes on March 31.
