A proposal to introduce a carp farm near Lake Taupo has fishermen up in arms.

A proposed grass and silver carp farm, which would sit in Taupo's industrial area, has already been approved by the Department of Conservation. However, Federation of Freshwater Anglers executive member Alan Simmons believes the government needs to think carefully before deciding whether or not to approve the farm because silver carp are an extremely invasive species that've caused huge problems all around the world.

Simmons said the farm could put Taupo's reputation at risk.

"I'm just appalled when you consider the beauty and the pristine nature and the economic benefits to Taupo from being clean and green and the trout fishery."

He said it's mindboggling the Minister of Conservation, who'll be deciding on the proposal in the next few weeks, could let it get this far.

"Maggie Barry's got to have rocks in her head to even let anything like this near Lake Taupo...The conservation minister should be protecting Lake Taupo, not encouraging this sort of endeavour around the lake."

Chairman of the Taupo Fishery Advisory Committee Graham Wyman also finds it's very surprising the Department of Conservation would approve the farm, as it will only increase the potential for carp to make it's way into Lake Taupo.

"I'm looking at it from the fishermen's side, I'm also looking at it from the water quality side, and the potential for these particular pest fish to destroy water quality is very, very high."

He said he feels as if the views of anglers on the proposal are not being listened to.