Weekly Fishing Report - September 21

The general consensus among anglers confirms Wellington Fish & Game's observations for the season: fewer, but much larger trout around.

The big brownie pictured here gives some idea of just how well the season has treated the fish too - the condition factor wouldn't get much higher!

Although the frequent freshes have kept the rivers healthy and the trout fit and happy, the weather certainly hasn't been kind to anglers.

And unfortunately we've got more rain coming in this weekend. The only upshot is that there might not be enough to blow all angling opportunities.

Because the scattered rain is due to arrive tomorrow, our assessments of the angling conditions are tentative - please check the flows anbd weather updates before you head out.

Pictured above right: How's the condition factor on this Wellington brownie? Peter de Boer with a Wairarapa stunner. (Credit: Peter de Boer).

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

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The Hutt River looks great today. There's only scattered rain forecast so the rivers and streams in this part of the region should remain okay - tentative green tick. The light winds will aid the angler.

 

Kapiti Coast

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All the Kapiti Coast rivers copped a bit of rain overnight and rose sharply before falling at time of writing. There's more scattered rain forecast, which could keep flows a little higher than normal but hopefully not at unfishable levels. Again, a tentative green light but with the caveat that you must check the flows before heading out.

 

Wairarapa

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The Ruamahanga mainstem is up after last night's rain but certainly still fishable. Unlike the Hutt and Kapiti catchments, the Wairarapa is expected to get more rain so we're hesitantly giving this part of the region an orange (50:50) for the weekend in case that rain settles in cause the rivers to spike again.

 

Manawatu

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The Manawatu mainstem is sitting marginally above the fishable flow level at time of writing. Only scattered rain for this part of the region so we're optimistically predicting it'll be fishable. If not, check out the major tribs - the Pohangina and Oroua and Mangatainoka.

 

Rangitikei

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The Rangitikei and Hautapu re looking okay at time of writing. Scattered rain is forecast for the region, with some heavier falls in the Kaimanawa Range so it could go either way for anglers this weekend. Best check before you go.

Tip of the Week - Spinning Success

Spin fishing is an excellent way to target fish particularly when the flows are a little bit high, there's some colour in the water, and fly fishing is marginal.

Because spinning lures are bigger and 'flashier' than flies, the fish can see them more easily in higher, murkier flows.

Spin fishing techniques and equipment have come an incredibly long way in recent years, largely due to the trend towards light spinning and soft-bait gear for sea angling.

Even if you're a die-hard fly fisher, spin fishing will open up a whole new world of angling opportunities, enabling you to get into some good trout when other angling methods just aren't possible.

With rivers a little bit up at present, this weekend could be the ideal time to give it a go. You won't be disappointed.

Click on the image above to download a PDF copy of out 'How-to' spin fishing guide.

By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.

Fish & Game NZ magazine online

We've just uploaded a heap more content from some of our back issues.

Feature articles, photo spreads, columns and fly tying - check it out Fish & Game NZ magazine online.

And if you're on Facebook, 'like' the Fish & Game NZ Magazine Online page so we can keep you up to date with new content releases, competitions and other offers.

Video of the week

Check out this latest video from Andrew Harding - a compilation of cicada fishing action this season.

 

Notice board

• 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) - please note that work is being done by the council on the Pah Road access point. Anglers are being directed to the Tilsen Road access. This is across the farmland currently under lease so please respect his wishes that anglers:

- Leave the gates across the access road closed (they won't be locked).
- Contact him first before access (his number is on a sign on the gates) to let him know.

• There's an import advisory for anglers about the Moawhanga flushing flows here.
• Rangitikei River Access - Access point 10 (Rangitieki Valley Road end) has been washed out by flood and there is no longer access. Please use alternative access points.

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.