Reel Life November 2024 - Auckland Waikato

Karapiro Dam Rainbow trout caught on a soft bait. 

Some nice rainbows below Karapiro

Fishing in our Northern lowland rivers is still good but time is running out to enjoy one of the best seasons in a decade on the Ohinemuri. If you have missed out on the action don’t worry it is just time to go up in elevation to the tributaries like the Waitawheta.  Fisheries Manager Adam Daniel visited Karapiro dam this weekend, and the caddis fly rise had the rainbows on the hunt. Soft baiting or fly fishing is a great morning or evening option this time of year but time is running out so don’t wait. Although the Waikato River is still fishing well fish will soon begin their migration back into summer thermal refuges. If you like fishing the Pirongia streams, the upper Waipa and Mangatutu it is time to intercept those fish migrating up the river over the next couple of weeks.

Summer trip planning

It is time to start planning your summer road trip and we want to encourage you to not to go directly to the Whakapapa, you should stop at some other rivers on the way. Please see our travel guide page on the Auckland/Waikato Fish & Game web site for some good ideas and the Outdoor Access Maps for over 100 locations to fish in just the Auckland/Waikato Region. Before you go check out the Flowrate.co.nz for river conditions.

Our staff picks for driving south are:

• Upper Waihou (Whites Road)
• Awakino River (Gribbon Road)
• Ongarue (Ongarue Stream Road)
• Whanganui River

Te Awamutu kids fishing day

Te Awamutu Fish & Game Club are offering a kids fishing day  at Ngongotaha Trout Hatchery this month. This is a great opportunity to get your kids or grand kids into a good fish without any hassle. The hatchery is just outside of Rotorua so it is a great spot to spend a day out. The club needs to confirm numbers by Friday 22nd November so txt 0273518903 to book.

When - Sunday 24th November @ 10AM

Where - Ngongotaha trout hatchery

Cost - $5 cash donation to the hatchery                 

Waihou River Euro Nymphing Clinic Dec 7-8

Ollie Bassett is putting on a Euro Nymphing Clinic on the Waihou. This is a great opportunity to learn a new technique in the Waikato.

Last reminder to fill in our survey on rule changes

It is your last chance to have your say using our online survey about simplifying the fishing rules. There has been a strong voice from the fly fishing community that they do not want bait fishing in fly only waters. Anglers are far more likely to respond to a survey if they are negatively impacted so we are giving spin and bait anglers a hurry up to participate in the survey. If you want your opinion considered take the survey or send us an email. The suggested changes include:

1. Year-round season on most rivers (excluding spawning areas)
2. No restrictions on gear (spin, bait and fly on all streams)
3. 2 fish daily limits for all rivers

The full list of suggested changes has been detailed in our spring newsletter you should have received via email. If you would like to make suggestions on the rule changes to be considered by council for the next three years, please email us at adaniel@fishandgame.org.nz or post your suggestions to 156 Brymer Road, RD9, Hamilton 3289 by 31 November 2024.