Anglers in Otago have generally been abiding by the regulations except for four at Lake Mahinerangi just after Christmas.
The four were among 12 fishing at the lake and did not have licences, Otago Fish and Game ranger Morgan Trotter said.
"It's a blip, an unusually high level of non-compliance at one spot, but generally it's been quite good."
While fishing conditions throughout the region had been a bit patchy, due to the recurring fronts going through leaving rivers and lakes high, there was still some good fishing to be had, he said.
"I imagine it's been a bit frustrating for anglers in the Southern Lakes on holiday."
However, places such as the irrigation dams in the Maniototo, the upper Taieri River and some of the small rivers such as the Catlins, Waipahi and Omakau were in good condition, he said.
Recent rainfall had helped North Otago rivers such as the Kakanui and Shag and, while the Waitaki lakes were very high, good fishing could be had in the evenings.
