Lower North Lowdown Weekly Fishing Report - 19 December 2024

Rain Relief Welcome - Then Back Into It! 

Summer fishing conditions are here!

Aside from the brief southerly we've just had blow through, temperatures have been climbing and the preceding run of fine weather has been superb… almost unheard of for this part of the country.

A fresh overnight for some parts will provide welcome relief for many rivers, given some were getting very low for this time of year.

Pictured above: Willy Pepper with a beautifully conditioned Wellington region brownie.  

That rain will recharge the rivers and reinvigorate the trout with the excellent fishing firing up again as soon as the water clears.

With many Kiwis heading into some time off, the fisheries are set up for holiday angling with very good trout numbers throughout the main catchments and fish in great condition – There’s ample opportunity to impress family and friends by putting a few trout on the table as part of your Christmas feast.

If you’re heading away, don’t forget that pretty much every river or stream you cross in the lower North Island has fish in it. Break you journey, let the kids stretch the legs, and throw a line in the water.

Jack Ogden with a lovely Taranaki Ringplain brown.

Don't forget to keep those fishing pics rolling in over the Christmas and New Year period - it could net you a $300 Hunting & Fishing voucher (read on for details about how to enter).

The next few issues of the Lower North Lowdown will be abridged while staff take some leave but all the links for weather updates and live river flows will be there to help you plan you holiday fishing escape.

Our Rangers will still be out and about so make sure you're carrying your licence. We hope to see you out there on the water enjoying the action.   

Need A Christmas Gift For Someone?

Stumped for Christmas present ideas? There's no gift that keeps on giving like a trout fishing season. 

Treat someone to the experience and grab them a season licence which will let them fish all the way through to September 30, 2025. 

Jump online and get a licence the easy way - it only takes a minute and your Xmas shopping is sorted.

Click the image above to get started. 

Here's the outlook this weekend...    

Hutt Valley

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Hutt Valley.

The Hutt River had a large flood go through on Tuesday but it has fallen back very quickly and is now sitting at around 10cumecs, which is good fishable flow. Hutt Valley Angling Club members report cool conditions today but the river is clear and, out of the southerly, the birds are working on mayflies so the fish should be busy too. 

The Hutt River at Totara Park this morning (Photo: Al Markham)

Kapiti Coast

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Kapiti Coast. 

The Otaki, Waikanae and Ohau are holding plenty of flow after a fresh on Tuesday. However, while they all have a hint of tea colour about them, the water is still clear and good to go for all forms of fishing at time of writing today. With patchy rain forecast this afternoon, then transitioning into showers for the next few days, it'd pay to keep a watchful eye on the latest flows before heading out. Good fish have been seen by staff in both the Otaki and Waikanae this week!            

The Otaki River at SH1 yesterday (Credit: Phil Teal).  

 

Wairarapa

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Wairarapa region.

The Ruamahanga River and tributaries - the Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau - are up but mainly clean and clear, though the mainstem Ruamahanga is carrying just a touch of colour. All forms of fishing will still work today, though, and we've only got drizzle at the moment so hopefully these rivers won't come up any further. The Waipoua, Kopuaranga and Huangarua rose quite high and dirty overnight Tuesday after a front came through bringing with it a spectacular thunderstorm. These are all now falling and will hopefully come right by the weekend.                         

Check out the latest conditions for the lower Ruamahanga by calling this free-phone number - 083229069.             

The Ruamahanga River at the Cliffs this morning (Photo: Hamish Carnachan).

Manawatu

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Manawatu region.

There were several anglers out and about in the town section of Manawatu River this morning with the river running clear. However, at time of writing we can see it is on the rise and the webcam at Weber shows it is quite dirty above the gorge. The situation for the Pohangina and Oroua are similar after last night's rain. Anglers will have some reprieve from the weather over the weekend, and the forecast is for just showers tomorrow, so fingers crossed we'll be back in action come Saturday. Failing that, the Mangatainoka is falling quickly.   

The Manawatu River at Teachers College this morning (Photo: Matt Kavermann).

Rangitikei

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Rangitikei region.

The flow in the Rangitikei River is rocketing up after yesterday's front and will, unfortunately, take some time to clear back to a fishable state - hopefully by early next week it'll be a green light if the forecast holds. The good news is the Hautapu is falling fast and at the current rate it could be fishing by Saturday. Check the latest flows before heading out.   

The Rangitikei River at Mangaweka this morning (Photo: Horizons).           
 

Taranaki Ringplain

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Taranaki Ringplain region.

The strong southeasterlies that have been hanging around the region for most of the week are forecast to ease tomorrow with a shift to rain and northerlies. Showers are forecast until Saturday, possibly easing on Sunday. Local rivers are currently coming down to their summer low flows, and may elevate slightly with the incoming weather, but there should be plenty of opportunities for anglers throughout the region to find suitable water to fish over the next few days.

Check out the up-to-date data on rainfall and river flows. 

The lower Manganui River this morning (Photo: Jack Harland).

Waimarino

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Waimarino region.

Forecasts for the Waimarino region are like that for Tarananki, with a shift to northerlies bringing some wetter weather. Throughout the next three or so days patchy rainfall is forecast; it may be a good idea to keep an eye on local river flows if you are considering heading out - the live flow data for the Mangwhero River will give an indication of what conditions are like. As flows drop on the Manganuioteao River, fish will be moving into the well oxygenated riffles and faster runs, so targeting these sections with dry flies later into the evenings may bring success.

 

The Mangawhero River at SH4 this morning (Photo: Horizons).

 

Photo Competition - Win A $300 Hunting & Fishing Voucher

James Ogle with a lovely Taranaki Ringplain rainbow (Photo: G Ogle).

Send in your favourite fishing photos from this season and you could be in to win a $300 voucher to spend in store at Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing.

We won't blow your secret spot, just include the name of the angler(s), photographer's details, and general location in the Wellington-Taranaki Fish & Game region.

• Click here to submit your entry.

You can send us as many fishing photos as you like. By submitting images to enter the competition you acknowledge that Wellington Fish & Game can publish and use the photos for publicity material.

Entries must be in by 5pm Tuesday, April 2, 2025. The winner will be announced in the Lower North Lowdown report on Thursday, April 4, 2025.

Tip of The Week - Set Some Goals for the Season

Fishing a new river or catching a trout of a certain size are achievable and rewarding goals to aim for (Photo: Kerry Hibbard).  

Rather than wasting time setting unachievable New Year resolutions for yourself, have you ever considered setting any specific fishing goals for the season ahead?

Goal setting is not just for work or competitive sports - it can make your fishing season more exciting, rewarding and fun too.

Having clear objectives gives you something to aim for, and adds purpose and direction to your fishing trips. Instead of just going out and seeing what happens, you will have specific targets in mind. Whether it is landing a personal best, exploring a new fishing spot or mastering a new technique, these goals can bring a fresh sense of engagement and satisfaction to your time on the water.

One key benefit of setting fishing goals is the motivation they provide throughout the season. It is easy to fall into a routine such as visiting the same spots repeatedly which can potentially result in you losing some enthusiasm as the season progresses.

But with goals, you are more likely to stay motivated and keep getting out there. This not only means more time on the water but also more opportunities to enjoy nature and spend time with others.

Goals can also be a great way to learn and improve your fishing skills. If you set a goal to catch trout using a new method, you will likely spend time researching and practising, which can lead to new skills and knowledge.

Over time, these small improvements can significantly enhance your overall fishing experience and success. Plus, the goals you set can lead to some of your most memorable fishing moments, like the thrill of catching a fish of a certain size or species, or helping a loved one catch their first fish.

When setting your fishing goals, keep these tips in mind:

• Make it fun - Your goals should enhance your fishing experience, not make it feel like work. Choose goals that excite you and that you will enjoy working towards.
• Be realistic - Set goals that challenge you but are still within reach. This will keep you motivated and will help prevent frustration.
• Celebrate successes - Do not forget to celebrate your achievements. Each goal met is a step towards becoming a better angler.
• You could help a family member catch their first trout.
• Catch your first trout on a fly you tied yourself.
• Fish in five new rivers.
• Catch a trout bigger than 60cm.
• Catch at least one trout every month of the season.

 

Successful Kids Fishing Day!

Young Angler at the 2024 Stratford Kids Fishing Event.

The conditions were perfect for our annual kids fishing event at Stratford last weekend, with sunshine throughout the day and a settled and clean Patea River.

Plenty of rainbows were landed down at the Scout Den Pool by budding young anglers, with many more still in the river waiting to be caught!

This is a great opportunity to catch a few fish with the kids over the school holidays - children under 12 can get a whole season license free of charge via the Fish & Game website (but please remember to only carry one rod per licence holder).

 

Check, Clean Dry - Help Protect Waterways

With summer fast approaching and the days getting longer, now is the perfect time to familiarise yourselves with the NEW North Island Check Clean Dry procedures. Click here to watch. 

 

Noticeboard

• Wellington Region River Works: Don't let bulldozers in the river ruin your fishing plans. Click here to download a schedule of Greater Wellington Regional Council's latest planned river engineering works.
• Manawatu Flood and Drainage Works: Anglers can access Horizons Regional Council's latest schedule of flood and drainage river works here.   
• Access to Lake Namunamu, near Hunterville, is closed as the access road is upgraded in preparation for the logging of Ngaruru Forest over the next three to five years.

If you have any angling-related information you'd like posted to this noticeboard, including upcoming angling club meetings and outings, please get in touch with us.  

*This report was accurate at time of writing. For your safety, please ensure you check the latest weather and river flow information before you head out on the water.