Weekly Fishing Report - 13 October 2017

The main rivers are up a bit but there's plenty of angling to be had this weekend in the smaller tribs which are firing at present!

Okay, conditions are far from settled at the moment but compared to the last few season openers we're off to a great start.

Good reports are coming in from across the region about the quality of the fish being caught too, with many sporting superb condition factor this early on. It all bodes very well for when summer arrives and the trout really start feeding up.

Spring weather conditions across much of the region mean scattered showers and windy conditions but there's still ample fishable water and the trout are feeding hard.    

So, grab you fishing licence online the easy way here and get into this super start to the season. 

And don't be disappointed by lesser licence categories - be sure to get our premier Full Season Licence which offers unhindered angling.    

PS - Just another reminder to see the noticeboard below if you are affected by Vodafone terminating its email service.

Pictured above right: A superbly conditioned Wairarapa brown caught recently by Peter de Boer.

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

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The Hutt River is sitting a little high and running with a bit of colour this morning but should be starting to fish okay from tomorrow. Consider using streamers swung across and downstream in the mainstem if tea coloured. The northerly could cause a few issues for upstream nymph fishing so perhaps look to the tribs that are a bit more sheltered.   

 

Kapiti Coast

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A bit of rain is coming through today but Saturday and Sunday are looking good for the Kapiti Coast rivers. Again, the rivers on this side are carrying a bit of colour but should be fine by tomorrow and improving as the weekend progresses. 

 

Wairarapa

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Weather-wise, Wairarapa is looking like the pick for fishing in our region this weekend. Be aware that the bigger rivers are still clearing some extra flow from recent rain but the smaller tribs of the Ruamahanga should be good to go. Remember that the tiny streams are worth exploring and they are holding good fish this early in the season.   

 

Manawatu

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Scattered rain today won't come to much but the larger rivers are already up and dirty, unfortunately. Forget the Manawatu and Pohangina for the time being and concentrate on the smaller tribs. The Oroua and Mangatainoka are outside chances for the weekend - just check the flow before you go. 

 

Rangitikei

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The Rangitikei is still well above fishable flow and is unlikely to clear for the weekend. Look around the smaller tribs though and you'll find some great fishing with these smaller streams still holding very good numbers of post-spawning trout.   

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Tip of the Week - 'Spinning' with flies

Big heavy streamers like these Peter Carty 'intruder flies' can be cast using threadline gear. (Credit: Hamish Carnachan)

Early season we're often plagued by wind, particularly in the lower North Island, which can make casting a fly line somewhat problematic.

When such conditions combine with clear rivers (which aren't that conducive to using metal spinning lures), what are our options? 

Well, here's another great tip for beating blustery weather and getting into the fish - use flies on your threadline (spinning) outfit...

Believe it or not it can be done, and it is an incredibly effective technique.

There are a large range of very heavy streamer patterns these days that incorporate solid tungsten heads or eyes that help fly anglers get their lures down deep in fast water. These are quite heavy enough to cast on you spinning gear too, which combats any wind you may face.

A good option for this style of 'spinning' is to use braid instead of nylon - it is finer and hence less wind resistant.

Also, a more advanced technique is to use nymphs suspended under a clear bubble (available very inexpensively from your local tackle dealer). The bubble can be partially filled with water to give enough weight to cast upstream.

Simply let the rig drift back down towards you and, just like nymph fly fishing, if there is any hesitation or dip in the bubble, strike to set the hook. Not only is this method incredibly good at negating strong wind, it allows you to reach lies you would never get to with standard fly gear.

The moral of the story: Don't be beaten by windy conditions, there are always ways to overcome the weather and get into some great fishing.

Click here for tying instruction for the flies pictured above. 

By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.

Video of the week

Check out how good we Wellington Fish & Game region anglers have got it - backcountry magic caught on camera by Andrew Harding.

Click the screenshot below to watch...

 

Fish & Game mag online

Want to win an Epic fly rod worth $1500? Keep reading... 

Click on the screen shot above to visit Fish & Game NZ magazine, where you'll find a heap of useful info, videos and articles to help you max out your angling.

Notice board

• Email updates - If you are a Vodafone email customer you're will be affected by the company closing the service at the end of Nov. Please don't forget to email us your updated details so you can continue receiving our Weekly Fishing Reports.   
• River bulldozing - Don't let this activity by Greater Wellington Regional Council ruin your fishing. Click here for the latest schedule of river destruction (you can also register your complaints through this page).
• Ruamahanga access at Gliding Club (Greytown). Anglers are being directed to the Tilsen Road access. 
• World Rivers Day was recently marked. Find out more here. 

Email Wellington Communications and Field Officer Hamish Carnachan if you'd like any fishing or freshwater-related items posted to this noticeboard.

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