Taranaki Reel Life September 2019

Good early season fishing expected

Taranaki Fish & Game staff are tipping local trout streams to be in good condition when the new fishing season opens next week on Tuesday October 1, 2019.

Following some decent winter freshes, August and September have been dominated by a series of very minor events that have maintained base-flows and got trout into feeding mode as they recover condition following spawning.

Given that flows are currently sitting above their summer levels, conditions will suit the fly fisher using weighted tungsten and gold bead nymphs to get down to the fish. A two-nymph rig should also work well.

Above Right: A nicely coloured ringplain brown from last season. Photo Michael Bakker.

Spin fishing with toby, rapala and bladed spinners will also take fish in the larger river pools, while bait fishing with creeper, worm or soft baits will be productive in waters where bait is permitted.”

Rivers such as the Waingongoro in south Taranaki hold good numbers of brown and rainbow trout and the Patea River in the reach between Stratford and Toko will also produce some nice fish.

The Waiwhakaiho and Manganui rivers in north and central Taranaki will be well worth a visit.

If river conditions are unsuitable on Opening Day, then fishing in lakes Ratapiko and Mangamahoe (fly fishing only) will be a good option, and Opunake Lake is still holding rainbow trout from last year’s release.

Take your kids for a fish out

This year’s first take a kid trout fishing event will be held on Saturday October 19 at Lake Rotomanu, which is located near the Waiwhakaiho River mouth in Fitzroy, New Plymouth.

This event is being run with help from the Inglewood Rod, Gun & Recreation Club and children will be able to fish for 250 good-sized rainbow trout.

To reduce waiting times, anglers are asked to book a 15-minute time-slot by visiting or phoning the Taranaki Hunting & Fishing store in Ocean View Parade, Moturoa, New Plymouth (06 757 2255).

A release of 250 two-year-old rainbow trout will also be made into Opunake Lake, but there will be no organised event this year.

The final kids’ trout fishing day will be held on Saturday December 14 at the Scout Den pool in Stratford’s King Edward Park.

Angler diary scheme

Taranaki Fish & Game is again running an angler diary scheme to collect information on river and lake fisheries in the region.

Anglers who are keen to participate can contact Fish & Game at taranaki@fishandgame.org.nz

New season licences on sale now!

Licences for the 2019/2020 fishing season are available either online through the Fish & Game website http://www.fishandgame.org.nz/licences or at your local fishing store.

There are 10 different fishing licence categories available including the Local Area Licence which is perfect for New Zealand residents who only fish their home region.

The Loyal Senior Licence is for the long-time older Kiwi angler and the Short Break (three-day) and Long Break (nine–day) licence are perfect for holidaymakers.

Of course, the premier licence remains the Whole Season licence, which allows the holder to fish anywhere in NZ except the Taupo trout fishery run by the Department of Conservation.

Don’t forget to ‘Check, Clean & Dry’

Please check, clean and dry any clothing, equipment and fishing gear before moving between waterways to help prevent the spread of didymo, lake snow and other freshwater pests.

While didymo hasn’t been found in the Taranaki Fish & Game Region to date, not all catchments are tested, and the only safe option is to act as if the water you are fishing in has didymo, but the next one you’ll visit, does not.

For more information go to:

http://www.mpi.govt.nz/travel-and-recreation/outdoor-activities/check-clean-dry/

Tight Lines.

Allen Stancliff, Taranaki Fish & Game Officer.