The Fish and Game Council proposes that overseas anglers should need a separate licence to fish rivers, costing about three times the price of a standard season ticket.
At the moment, visiting anglers pay the same as residents, $116 per season, or they can obtain a cheaper 24 hour licence.
With growing pressure on the waterways and no Government funding to manage river health, Fish & Game says a separate licence for visitors is needed.
But the Tourism Industry Association says the proposal would result in fewer visitors and the Professional Fishing Guides Association says business is already slow because of the economic downturn.
Any change to licencing would require the approval of the Minister of Conservation.
