Reel Life September 2024 - Auckland/Waikato

Season Update

It is time to start planning for the new season and we have not seen any major storms this winter that would disrupt spawning or put a damper on the opener. Staff have been monitoring river conditions and the region has had prime weather for trout survival. Reports from the Ohinemuri have been great and the Whakapapa will be in prime shape for the opener.

Ohinemuri River Mine discharge

There have been some spectacular photos of the orange Ohinemuri River, the orange colour is likely from iron deposits exposed in a mine shaft that have seeped into the river. Although the iron does not pose a health risks, water from mines are notorious for causing acid mine drainage that can contain toxic heavy metals. Pyrite in the mine can create sulfuric acid that dissolves iron making the brilliant colour in the water but can also dissolve heavy metals that are toxic like copper, lead, and mercury so the council has issued a precautionary health warning.  The trout population seems to be unimpacted but until test results indicate it is safe to eat fish it would be wise to only take fish from above the Karangahake Gorge Car Park. Updates on the situation will be posted on the Waikato Regional Council Facebook page.

Map of area impacted by the orange discharge.

Ohinemuri River stained by a mine discharge.

Auckland Flyfishing anglers Club Inc.

AFAC will be offering Fly tying classes this Summer.  Classes will be held at the Meadowbank Community Centre on St Johns Rd, Meadowbank. Two world class tying instructors will be available to the club who will be availing for this short period. Please visit the club website to register. www.afac.org.nz

Lower Waikato River Trout Contest

The Lower Waikato River Trout Contest is a great spring competition with some outstanding prizes.  The competition will be held October 9th to 12th (Wednesday to Saturday). Registration for the competition is online.  Most of the top competitors in the competition fish from the banks of the river between Karapiro Dam and Mercer with soft baits. Large brown trout migrate from Waipa River streams after spawning and feed in the Waikato River until it reaches 19°C in November or early December when the fish return to the Waipa system.  Prize giving for the competition will be Saturday the 12^th of October at 5 pm and will include a BBQ.