Eastern Reel Life May 2017

Eastern regional update

We reported the effects of Ngongotaha flood damage in last month’s Reel life; the stream continues to run with color every time we have rain however the fish are in super condition and running in good numbers.

Brown up to 4.5kg have been trapped and solid rainbow up to 2kg are not uncommon.

If the stream is running colored try a traditional wet fly on a sinking line – an orange rabbit or wooly bugger are both good patterns to start with.

The regional winter shoreline fishing is underway with fish turning up at all of the usual release points and spawning streams.

Reports of double figure fish have been confirmed this week from both Rotoiti and Okataina.

Anglers are reminded that conditions play a huge role in success at these locations, so stay home when the weather is settled and venture out when the rain turns-up!

Eastern region news tippets

• The Murupara – Waikaremoana (highway 38) is closed until further notice due to slip damage. Access to Lake Waikaremaona is still possible via Wairoa. See here for NZTA updates
• May sees almost 23,000 yearling rainbows released to the Rotorua lakes! This batch is fin marked Lpad and some are tagged too!
• The upper section of the Ngongotaha Stream above SH5 and the Utuhina above Devon Street close to all fishing from June 30^th, as do the inflowing streams of Lake Waikaremoana.
• We’d love to receive photos of your Eastern region catch – please email them to msherburn@fishandgame.org.nz  

 Mark Sherburn, Eastern Region Fish & Game officer.