Taranaki Reel Life November 2017

Fly-fishers to the fore

Since our last report the rain has stopped and river and stream flows are rapidly receding towards their summer levels.

Mike Bakker sent in this photo above of a brilliantly coloured ringplain brown that took a surface film emerger.

These conditions are definitely favouring the fly fisher, with trout now much more visible on their feeding lies.  Even rivers like the Waingongoro, and Manganuioteao, which take some time to recede from their winter/spring levels, are currently very fishable.

The use of small nymphs and emergers are bringing success in ringplain streams, along with beetle imitations, both brown and green in sizes 14-16.

Hatches of caddis are also increasing and this should see trout more active on the evening rise in the larger river pools.

Book now for Stratford kids’ fishing day

 These conditions are definitely favouring the fly fisher, with trout now much more visible on their feeding lies.  Even rivers like the Waingongoro, and Manganuioteao, which take some time to recede from their winter/spring levels, are currently very fishable.

The use of small nymphs and emergers are bringing success in ringplain streams, along with beetle imitations, both brown and green in sizes 14-16.

Hatches of caddis are also increasing and this should see trout more active on the evening rise in the larger river pools.

Book now for Stratford kids’ fishing day

Just a reminder that the 20^th annual kids’ trout fishing day is being held at the Scout den pool on the Patea River in the heart of Stratford on Saturday December 9. The booking sheet has been lodged with the Stratford Information Centre (0800-765 6708) so call in or give them a ring to book your kids a 15-minute time-slot to fish.

Kids’ fishing days ‘great success’

Despite early drizzle the Lake Rotomanu kids’ trout fishing day went well, with 120 kids catching 100 of the 250 rainbow trout that were corralled in a holding net for the event.

 A good number of kids were thrilled to catch their first trout and at the end of the day, the remaining trout were released into the lake. 

They’ve now had a few weeks to settle down and we encourage anglers to go down and try their luck.  Many thanks to the Inglewood Rod, Gun & Recreation Club for running the event.

Likewise, the Opunake Surfcasting & Angling Club ran a great day at Opunake Lake with most of the 70 kids catching a rainbow trout and the remaining fish released into the lake. 

A big thanks to the sponsors, Elite Farm Solutions, RD1/Farm Source, More FM, 4square45 and Collins Sports Centre Opunake for their support. 

Eilidh & Finlay Gilmour with their rainbow trout at the Lake Rotomanu kids' fishing day.

Don’t forget to ‘Check, Clean & Dry’

Please check, clean and dry any clothing, equipment,  and fishing gear before moving between waterways to help prevent the spread of didymo and other freshwater pests.

While didymo hasn’t been found in the Taranaki Fish & Game Region so far, not all catchments are tested. To be on the safe side, please act as if the water you are fishing in has didymo, but the next one you’ll visit is free of it. For more information click here

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