Rotorua streams known for ‘superb brown trout’ set to open

Anglers are getting set for some of the country’s “finest brown trout fishing” as Rotorua streams re-open for summer.   

The upper reaches of some of Lake Rotorua tributaries which have been closed for the spawning season will re-open for summer angling from Friday, December 1, 2017.

Early season fishing on the Ngongotaha Stream.

They are the upper sections of the Ngongotaha Stream (above SH 5), the Waiteti (above Hamurana Road) and the Utuhina (between Devon Road and Pukehangi Roads). 

Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne says that prospects look good – the Ngongotaha Stream for example has plenty of fish with the rainbow trout in fantastic condition.  Some large brown trout have also entered the stream though some of these are still recovering post-spawning.

Lake Rotorua’s rainbow trout went through a period of poor condition between 2008 and 2014 while the browns remained in good nick, he says.

“The cooler conditions over last summer have helped the rainbows achieve excellent condition.” 

The brown trout move into the tributaries in what is an annual phenomenon that happens when the lake warms to around 19^o C and drives them into the streams in search of cooler water.

Mr Osborne says that while the browns have already spawned, there are some late spawning rainbows still in the tributary streams and this activity will continue into December.

“Most experienced anglers will initially be nymphing or using globugs before moving later in summer to caddis and cicada-type dry flies and emerging-type nymphs,” he says.

Some areas are fly fishing only but there are places to spin fish on some streams. “Please do check your regulation booklet for where you can spin,” Matt Osborne says.  

Fish & Game officers will be out ranging on the opening of the Rotorua streams, and in the weeks that follow, speaking to as many anglers as possible.

Towards the East Coast, the Mokau and Hopuruahine streams at Waikaremoana will also be opening from December 1. 

Anglers are reminded of the need to Check, Clean and Dry fishing equipment including footwear when moving between waterways.