Taranaki Reel Life August 2019

Productive early spring fishing expected 

Regular freshes have kept base flows relatively high, but Taranaki ringplain rivers and streams are clearing very quickly after rain and the winter fishing reaches have been fishing well with a spinner and also providing some action for fly fishers.

Anglers fishing the lower Waingongoro River at Ohawe have been catching some nice brown and rainbow trout in recent days and also the occasional kahawai.

The lower Kaupokonui Stream, which is accessible from Lower Glenn Road and then Kaupokonui Heads Road, has also been producing some good fish along with some smaller rainbows.

Above Right: Carlos Cardoso do Vale with a nice winter season ringplain brown. 

On the northern ringplain, the lower Waiwhakaiho River and the Manganui River downstream of the Bristol Road Bridge are well worth a fish with a spinner in between freshes. 

A well-conditioned Lake Mangamahoe rainbow (photo Michael Bakker).

The upper tidal reaches of the Waitara River above SH3 can also be productive when the river clears during fine spells. 

Lakes Ratapiko, Mangamahoe and Opunake have received releases of rainbow trout and are also worth a visit. 

Lake Mangamahoe in particular, has been providing some good early spring action for the flyfisher as trout begin to cruise the lake margin again. 

Water quality in New Plymouth’s Lake Rotomanu has improved as winter rains have flushed out much of the algal bloom and the lake should fish well for perch, using spinners and coloured soft baits.

The winter season reaches of the Manganuioteao and Mangawhero Rivers in the Ruapehu area also provide large areas of fishable water and spin fishing should produce fish.

New season licences available now

Licences for the 2019/2020 fishing season are now available either on-line through the Fish & Game website http://www.fishandgame.org.nz/licences or through your local licence agent. 

There are nine different fishing licence categories available including the local area licence which is perfect for NZ residents who only fish in their home region, the loyal senior licence for the long-time older Kiwi angler and the short-break (3-day) and long-break (9–day) licence.

Of course, the premier licence remains the adult whole season licence, which allows the holder to fish anywhere in NZ except the Taupo trout fishery.

TARANAKI REGION WINTER SEASON ANGLING WATERS

 Allen Stancliff, Taranaki Fish & Game Officer.