Xmas Comes Early For Anglers! 

On the eve of Christmas the weather Gods are finally smiling on lower North Island anglers with stunning conditions on the cards for tomorrow and over the weekend. 

Rivers are rapidly returning to normal flows after what feels like weeks of rain, and the wind that has been driving everyone crazy has finally abated for most too.

This sets things up perfectly with many people already on leave and trout returning to feed after the high flows.       

This is our last full report for the year - the Lower North Lowdown will still be sent out over the holiday period but in an abridged form with weather and river flow links.

We wish you a very happy time over the festive season and hope you have plenty of opportunities to get out on the water.

If you're heading away, makes sure you take you gear because every river you cross is a fishing adventure awaiting you. Just make sure you've got your licence.

Merry Xmas and catch you in the New Year.                

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

Click here for live weather updates.

The Hutt is still carrying a bit of flow and hint of colour but falling back to good fishable levels quickly - tomorrow and through the weekend should see superb angling conditions. The Akatarawa, Pakarutahi and other tribs are fishable today with just a touch of colour.            

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

Kapiti Coast 

Click here for live weather updates.

The Otaki was carrying some residual colour from the recent rain when the photo below was taken yesterday. Most of this should have washed out by now and the river will be in great shape for fishing. Both the Waikanae and Ohau rivers are carrying a little extra flow but are set up really well for anyone who gets on the water today.  

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

Wairarapa 

Click here for live weather updates.

The Ruamahanga has extra flow but is fishable and set up nicely for spin fishing. The Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau are all carry higher flows but are clear and look stunning this morning. All systems go in Wairarapa!  

The Waiohine River just above SH2 this morning (Credit: Hamish Carnachan)

Manawatu

Click here for live weather updates.  

You can see from the image below the Manawatu is holding good flow and still carrying a little sediment load. Another day and it should be clearing nicely for anglers lucky enough to hit the water for a Christmas eve cast. If you want to get out today, the Pohangina, Orua, Mangatainoka and Makakahi are going to be the best bets.   

The Manawatu River at Teachers College this morning (Credit: Horizons)

Rangitikei 

Click here for live weather updates.

The Central High Country appears to have escaped most of the torrential rain that hit the lower part of our region. As such, the Rangitikei, Hautapu, Kawhatau and Moawhango all appear to be set up beautifully, and, with no rain forecast until Monday, anglers have a great window of opportunity ahead.   

The Rangitikei River at Mangaweka this morning (Credit: Horizons) 

Armchair Angling 

Time off and summer weather means time to hit the backcountry!

Check out this gem from Gin Clear media teasing the amazing wilderness angling on offer in North Island backcountry. Click the screenshot above.    

Noticeboard

• Wellington Fish & Game has been advised of the following dates for flushing flows from the Moawhango Dam:

 9:00 pm Tuesday 25 January to 2:00 am Wednesday 26 January 2022
 9:00 pm Tuesday 15 February to 2:00 am Wednesday 16 February 2022
 9:00 pm Tuesday 15 March to 2:00 am Wednesday 16 March 2022
 9:00 pm Tuesday 3 May to 2:00 am Wednesday 4 May 2022 (river ecological state dependent)

• River Bulldozing - Don't get an unwelcome surprise by Greater Wellington Regional Council's river bulldozing ruining your day on the river. The upcoming activity schedule can be found 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. For your safety please ensure you check the latest weather and river flow information before you head out on the water.