Taranaki Reel Life Apr 2017

Conditions 'ideal' for angling 

Well, the last two weeks of the main season have been very settled here in Taranaki, with cool nights and then warm sunny afternoons - perfect for fishing.

Overall, there’s little doubt that the seemingly endless spring here on the west coast has resulted in reduced angler use of many fisheries this season, and a likely reduction in harvest as well.

Right: Michael Bakker with a nice Lake Mangamahoe rainbow taken on a damsel fly imitation.

In terms of the ongoing sustainability of the fishery, this isn’t a bad thing and when viewed in conjunction with other indicators.

These include a relative abundance of juvenile trout resulting from at least two good spawning seasons in a row, and increased stream flows have helped maintain the ecological health and food production capacity of waterways – so prospects for next season’s fishing look bright.

While many Taranaki region fisheries close to angling at the end of April, a good selection of waters remain open during the “winter season.”

These include Lake Mangamahoe, a picturesque lake near New Plymouth that has fished well all season.

Right: Mike Bakker's damsel fly imitation.

Brown and rainbow trout up to 2kg are currently cruising the lake margin and it should continue to provide good fishing in May. 

Please note that Lake Mangamahoe is restricted to fly fishing only, which means using a fly rod, fly reel, fly line and artificial fly.

The lower reaches of a number of ringplain streams and rivers also remain open to angling including the Waiwhakaiho River, where there is a good stretch of fishable water accessible from a track at the right-hand end of Rimu Street extension upstream to the white-yellow and black marker pole.

Pole marking the upstream limit for winter fishing on the lower Waiwhakaiho River.

In the Ruapehu district, the Manganuioteao River mainstem (excluding tributaries) remains open until June 30.

While the area is already getting some decent frosts, the river between Ruatiti Domain and the Orautoha Stream confluence will be well worth a visit on a nice sunny day, as fish congregate in this area prior to spawning.

Many Taranaki anglers also visit the Awakino River in the Auckland / Waikato Region at this time of year, particularly the fly fishing only section upstream of the Mahoenui SH3 Bridge, although the entire river remains open until June 30. 

Likewise, the Rotorua lakes also attract their fair share of Taranaki anglers in May. 

TARANAKI REGION WINTER SEASON ANGLING WATERS

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