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Another stunning weekend is on the cards again, so now is the time to get into the angling action before the pre-Christmas chaos kicks in!

Make sure you take the opportunity to get on the water this weekend because conditions don't get much better, and no doubt soon we'll all be bogged down in the lead up to the silly season.

After a sustained period of beautiful warm weather the rivers are in great shape and the fishing right throughout the region has been awesome too with the cooler evenings helping to keep the water temperatures down and the trout active.  

There isn't too much more we can say other than if you're not out on the water then you're missing out.  

Get your licence and get into it.   

Pictured above right: Isla Carnachan making the most of magnificent fishing conditions on the Ruamahanga recently (Copyright - Hamish Carnachan)      

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

Click here for live weather updates.

The Hutt River and the tributaries are picture perfect this morning and will stay that way right through the weekend. Might be a good opportunity to getup into some of the smaller feeder streams because the awesome run of weather has the flows dropping very quickly;  the Hutt isn't too far off summer low flow already!             

Kapiti Coast

Click here for live weather updates.

Sunny skies and light winds for most of the weekend will make for idyllic angling on the Kapiti Coast. The Waikanae, Ohau and Otaki are all picture-perfect this morning and with little appreciable rain it's green light for 'go' this weekend.    

Wairarapa

Click here for live weather updates.

The Ruamahanga continues to fish really well at the moment. Water temps are staring to climb following several weeks of mid-20 degree days but there are still heaps of trout around in the 1.5-3lb range at moment. Like the mainstem, the Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau are all set up perfectly for the weekend; the smaller eastern tribs are already suffering low flows and really need a fresh to get the fish active again. .            

Manawatu

Click here for live weather updates.     

All systems are go! Manawatu, the Pohangina and Oroua, the Mangatainoka and everywhere in between is looking great. Conditions should be near perfect over the weekend too - get into the action!       

Rangitikei

Click here for live weather updates.

Conditions don't get much better for fishing the central high country! The Rangitikei is at perfect flow and running really clear right the way through. The Hautapu and other main tribs are going to be going off.          

Video of the Week 

Click the screen shot above to check out a cool video of some awesome angling action on the Hutt River, courtesy of Pure Fly NZ. 

Tip of the Week - Hit Those Backwaters 

A lovely backwater on the right hand side of the gravel bank provides lovely habitat for cruising trout (Copyright: Hamish Carnachan)

Many less-experienced anglers walk straight past slower backwater reaches of river, unaware of the fishing they're passing up. 

Don't make this mistake!

Now is the time to search out trout in the backwaters of our larger rivers.  

The water temperatures are already starting climb and if the run of fine hot weather lasts than many backwaters will dry up or become too hot. 

At the moment, though, the flows are great and some superb sport can be had trying to get in close and stealthy on browns cruising the quiet backwaters looking for an easy meal.

Rivers like the Ruamahanga, Manawatu and Rangitikei offer great backwater stalking in their mid/lower reaches. 

Remember that trout are even more alert in these parts of the river because often they are shallower, making the fish more exposed to predators.  

Your approach must be careful and quiet as the calmer water also means the clarity is improved, and thus so are the chances of any resident fish spotting you.

Make sure you use bank-side vegetation to sneak a peak, and approaching from gravels beds may even require you crawling into position on hands and knees.

Once you've located a fish, take some time to observe it. More often than not it will work a defined 'beat' or circuit.

When you think you know the trout's movements, carefully flick out a small nymph (no indicator) into its path. When it approaches next time it's working its route, a short pull on the fly line to lift the fly off the bottom should be enough to entice an inspection and, hopefully, a take. 

If you see a flash of the fish's white mouth opening, set immediately.

Backwater stalking is challenging but also heart-in-mouth angling. Next time you see a calmer stretch of water off to the side of the main flow, go and take a look - you might be surprised by what you find. 

By Fish & Game field officers Hamish Carnachan. 

Webcams

 Click the map below to go to Horizon's website showing the list of available river webcams.

Notice board

• Anglers wanting to fish the Rangitikei backcountry must have a licence endorsement for this fishery. Click here to find out more. Or purchase your backcountry endorsement.   
• Fishing regulations changes for the Wellington Fish & Game Region in 2019-2020 might affect you. Find out about the changes here.  
• Don't get a nasty surprise by Greater Wellington Regional Council's river bulldozing ruining your day on the river. Check out the latest schedule of activity here. 
• Northern Ruahine 1080 operations are going to be conducted by DOC. Please click here to find out what catchments are to be affected. A facts sheet can be found here. 
• Flushing flows from the Moawhango Dam, which will cause the rivers downstream (including the Rangitikei) to rise, will be conducted on the following dates: 

Release from Dam 9:00pm Tuesday 10 December 2019 – 9 hours
Release from Dam 9:00pm Tuesday 28 January 2020 – 5 hours
Release from Dam 9:00pm Tuesday 18 February 2020 – 5 hours
Release from Dam 9:00pm Tuesday 17 March 2020 – 5 hours
Release from Dam 9:00pm Tuesday 28 April 2020 – 5 hours (subject to monitoring triggers being met)

More info 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.