Thousands of whitebaiters flood to Otago's rivers to fill their nets with the delicacy.
But will there always be enough to go around?In Otago, 95% of a whitebaiter's catch is juvenile inanga, a small, native freshwater fish.
Inanga, along with other native fish that make up the catch, are declining because of loss and degradation of freshwater habitat.
But Department of Conservation (Doc) freshwater ranger Pete Ravenscroft says inanga numbers will increase if people retain or re-establish overhanging vegetation along the upper reaches of our rivers to give shade and protection; and if downstream riverbanks are undisturbed during spawning time, from January to March.
Unlike other fish, whitebait species lay their eggs among vegetation on stream banks during spring tides, leaving them to develop out of water.
Part of Doc's work each summer is locating and cordoning-off spawning sites.
While rank pasture grass provides enough protection for the eggs from drying out, stock, vehicles and foot traffic can easily devastate spawning grounds.
If you would like to give whitebaiting a go this season, which runs until the end of November, Mr Ravenscroft recommends trying a smaller river like the Kakanui, Shag, Waikouaiti or Taieri.
"These aren't as dangerous as the big ones can be."
Conservation officers are out enforcing whitebait regulations to ensure whitebaiters are keeping to the rules.
Common offences are people not staying with their net, and using gear that is too long.
Doc's advice is to read and follow the Whitebait Fishing Regulations (at www.legislation.govt.nz or bought from Bennetts Government Bookshops).
