The Government says Fish & Game can carry out its statutory role without increasing licence fees.
Associate Minister of Conservation Kate Wilkinson has turned down a request by Fish & Game to raise the adult season fishing licence by $4 to $109.
Ms Wilkinson says Fish & Game can get by on the current fee level and by using its reserves.
However, Fish & Game says the minister has been told repeatedly the agency has limited reserves.
It believes there's more to the decision than the minister is letting on.
Chief executive Bryce Johnson says some in Government have been openly critical of how the agency spends money.
