The only thing standing between anglers and paradise, Fish and Game officer Cliff Halford says, is more decent fishing weather.
But with the summer season comes compliance checks, and Fish and Game Otago is about to renew efforts to ensure anglers are licensed.
Mr Halford, of Cromwell, said after a few days off over Christmas, the about 30 rangers in Otago were "just getting into their programme" this week.
That meant checking people fishing had licences, and were staying within set bag limits.
A meeting with a ranger could also have benefits.
Rangers could offer "some solid advice" about the best fishing spots, and other aspects of angling.
"We're going to put in a big effort," Mr Halford said.
"With the good weather we've had, licence sales have been very, very strong.
"There's a lot of interest in fishing, and a lot of boats in the water.
"You can certainly make it known Fish and Game rangers will be in the field."
Anglers had been struggling to compete with the weather, with wind making things difficult, but those who had persisted had been doing well.
Fish were in "very, very good condition", and Manorburn and Poolburn dams were fishing well, as was Lake Dunstan.
The water quality in the region's waterways was good, as there had been no major rain or flooding.
"There's a lot of angler interest; they're just waiting for the good weather."
Licences, Mr Halford said, were "a must".
They were Fish and Game's primary source of revenue, as the organisation did not get government funding, and that revenue allowed Fish and Game to manage Otago's sports fisheries.
Rangers could write offence notices, seize fishing tackle, and those caught faced the prospect of prosecution, with fines of up to $600, plus court costs, having been imposed in the past.
Licences are available on the internet through the Fish and Game website.
