Fishing News index > August 2008

It’s now two months since the end of the dry easterly La Nina weather pattern and in that time an on-going series of westerly fronts have soaked the region, dropping more than three metres of rain on the northern slopes of Mt. Taranaki. Great weather for ducks - but what about the trout?  Thankfully, none of the freshes have been exceptional, with the largest flood occurring in mid-July not quite at the average annual flood level (e.g. 270 m3/s in the Waiwhakaiho [Figure 1] compared with the mean annual flood of 330m3/s).  This means that trout spawning won’t have been adversely affected and with algae and sediment flushed out of the system, it all looks pretty good for spring fishing.

Ringplain waters that are currently open for fishing include the lower Kaupokonui River between the sea and Surf Highway.  There is about 3km of fishable water that always holds good fish during the winter.  Easy access is obtained by turning down lower Glenn Road on the Manaia side of the river.  Likewise, the lower Waingongoro River below the Surf Highway will be worth a look.  Anglers can either access the river from Ohawe township, or downstream from the Surf Highway – park near the old bridge on the Hawera side of the river and either proceed down the left bank, or cross over and go down through the quarry (please ask permission if operating).  This is relatively big water best suited to spin and bait fishing at this time of year.

In New Plymouth, the lower Waiwhakaiho River between the estuary and the end of the gravel track at the right hand end of Rimu Stream provides over 4 kilometres of fishable water with easy access and some large pools.  Both brown and rainbow trout are present and it’s a good place to spend and hour or two fishing close to home.

Lake Ratapiko, located 9km down Tariki Road off SH3, has produced some great conditioned rainbows of late.  The word is that spin fishing downstream of the new road culvert is doing most of the damage.  Lake Mangamahoe continues to produce brown and rainbow trout for the flyfisher who fishes deep over the weedbeds with #8 -12 Rabbit, Red Setter or Hamill’s killer type wet flies.  A few brown trout are also beginning to cruise the shallows again, particularly at the upstream end of the lake.  Lake Ngangana adjacent to the Kart Club track at Waitara is still holding rainbow trout.  Though fish are not in great condition, Lake Ngangana is an excellent place to take the kids, with a reasonable track giving access to a dozen fishing sites.  Opunake Lake has also produced some good brown and rainbow trout in recent days. 

As many anglers are aware lambing is currently ongoing through the region at this time of the year and while it’s nice to see them in the paddocks anglers should be aware that any disturbance of the ewes at this time can result in the ewe orphaning one or both lambs.  As highlighted previously farmers are currently experiencing difficult times, last summer’s drought and the recent spell of bad weather at lambing time is having a considerable affect on farming operations.  Please ensure you contact landowners or managers before crossing paddocks that have stock in them, especially those containing sheep.  If in doubt - stay out and please park well clear of gates, bridges and stock access ways and leave all gates as you find them.

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