THE fish may be biting - but too many people are leaving rubbish behind after dropping a line, according to Maranoa anglers.

Anglers are calling on residents to take more responsibility for the mark they leave on waterways in the region.

Keen fisherman Ross Zerk said a lack of respect was leading to people dumping rubbish in reserves.

"People go in there and take their rubbish and leave it all lying around," Mr Zerk said.

He said people needed to think about the future generations who would miss out on the opportunity to enjoy what nature has provided.

"People are keeping too many fish and not keeping it sustainable," he said.

"Everyone is going to have children and they should be thinking of preserving what is here."

Mr Zerk is a member of the Australian Sports Fishing Club and participates in Suntag - one of the largest volunteer fish databases in the world where fish are tagged and released.

"It is a very good way to monitor fish growth rate and movements," he said.

"For people who catch a tagged fish there is a number to call."

Surat Fishing and Restocking Club president said the club participated every year in Clean Up Australia Day.

He said the issue of littering was something that needed to be highlighted.

However he said native fish stocks had improved in the past few years.

"There are more native fish around since the floods in recent years."