Today (October 1) marks the start of the new trout and salmon fishing season and early reports indicate there is some excellent fishing to be had this season.

The 2020-21 season licences are available now in accredited sports shops and other outlets, or online through the Fish & Game’s website.

Fish & Game New Zealand Chief Executive Martin Taylor said this year's licence featured the winning entry in the2020 Fish & Game Fishing Licence Photo competition.

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"Take your camera with you when you go fishing because the competition will begin again in January 2021 with more spectacular prizes to be had," he said.

With more Kiwis holidaying at home this year, Fish & Game is encouraging people to have a go at fishing when camping, tramping or just visiting their local lake, river or stream.

"Kiwis are exploring New Zealand like never before. Every river you cross is a fishing opportunity," Mr Taylor said.

"New Zealand is one of the world's great fishing countries. Our lakes, rivers, and backcountry streams all offer fantastic opportunities to fish for brown and rainbow trout. In the South Island, you can also fish for salmon in many places.

"You are never far from the action."

Fish & Game is promoting an approach called ‘Park and Cast’ that lets you know areas with good fish populations which are easy to drive to. The Fish and Game website also has a Park and Cast page specifically designed to help someone with little experience trout fishing to understand the basics quickly and have a good chance of success.

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Multiple types of licence are on offer, from those catering to families and individuals for a full season, or short term licences for people who want to try their hand at freshwater fishing for the first time.

"These different licences provide superb value and flexibility. The family licence, in particular, allows an angler, their partner and children or grandchildren to go fishing together. It is a great way to introduce the next generation to the joys of fishing," Mr Taylor said.

"On top of the recreational enjoyment fishing provides, you can also put a meal on the table for your family with wild organic kai."