Eastern Reel Life November 2019

Conditions are proving to be ideal for river anglers in the Eastern Fish & Game region currently with moderate flows and warming temperatures putting fish into a feeding mood.

Insect populations are obviously on the rise and the mild winter conditions experienced during 2019 are likely to have enabled good growth and wild fish survival.

Right: A Lake Rotorua brown caught trolling-Image Lakeland Princess Charters.

Gisborne’s Rex Richards has reported some nice bags of fish from the Waioeka and Opato rivers and good fish numbers in the Motu River, although clear-water conditions are requiring the use of light tippets.

Remaining on the East coast – Lake Waikaremoana anglers are reporting excellent trolling around the Hopuruahine area, Bodel’s and the Narrows and that the fish are in prime condition currently.

Blustery spring conditions have dominated the Rotorua lakes scene this last month.

Boaties that have ventured out onto the larger lakes have managed good, fat rainbows with plenty of Rotoiti fish in the 2-3kg range and rumor of a monster 5kg fish from Okataina recently.

The smaller lakes, which offer good shelter are best fished during spring and autumn and before warm water temperatures drive fish deep.

Lake Rerewhakaaitu in particular has fished well with small damselfly nymphs slung under an indicator or a small olive Wolly Bugger.

Lake Rotorua’s stream mouths are beginning to show some sign of action. Large brown trout, which the lake has become known for, are cruising the shallows at Hamurana, Awahou and the Ngongotha mouths and feeding activity in the evening on smelt.

The Upper section of the Rotorua stream open to fishing on 1 December, as do Waikaremoana’s Mokau and Hopuruahine streams.

Trout liberations have recently taken place to lakes Okaro, Ngahewa. Ngapouri, McLaren and Rotonuiaha.

Datawatch tagged trout can now be entered online. Entries go into the draw to win one of 20 free whole season fishing licences.
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QCH5ZR6

Eastern Region Fishing Diaries – All lakes and streams

Fill in your fishing diaries here to help us manage the Eastern Fish & Game region. Participants go in the draw to win a $100 voucher from Kilwell:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QRSD7D3

Mark Sherburn, Eastern Fish & Game Officer