‘Jumbo’ trout freed into Lake Rotorua

Anglers have been given the chance to chase some “jumbo-size” trout in Lake Rotorua.

Catch it if you can...Mark Sherburn holds up a chunky brown trout before its release.

Fish & Game officers have released about 200 mega-sized trout into the lake near the Ngongotaha stream mouth.

The fish were scooped from the Ngongotaha hatchery’s display pond to allow for routine repairs and maintenance. 

The browns and rainbows were all hefty with some hitting the 10 kilogram (20 pounds-plus) mark.

Fish & Game Officer Mark Sherburn says the fish have grown unusually large thanks to a “charmed life” of being fed daily in captivity.

“Now they’re in the big pond that is Lake Rotorua they’ll have to work a little harder for their meals.”

 Caption: Mark Sherburn holds up a chunky brown before letting it go.