Reel Life October 2022

Opening weekend was a bit of a washout in Taranaki, with dismal weather and the rivers coming up just enough to keep many anglers at home.

Rivers in the Waimarino/Ruapehu area were a bit slower to rise, and their opening morning would’ve been a bit better than on the Taranaki ringplain.

However, those that did venture out had some success if they found water that was not too discoloured.

Keen Taranaki angler Jack Ogden had to do the run-around to find suitable water but sent in photos of a couple of fish he caught and released on opening day.

Above Right: Jack Ogden with an opening day hen still in spawning recovery mode. 

The rivers have settled down since then, and they’re currently in great condition for angling.

A beautifully marked ringplain brown jack (Photo Curly McEwen).

Curly McEwen sent in a photo of a nice 2kg fish he caught and released during a recent evening visit to his local river.

Flows in the lower Patea River below Patea Dam are coming down, and with water temperatures around 14 degrees, now is a great time to visit this backcountry fishery.

It provides 14km of fishable water between McColl’s Bridge and the dam.

If you do go, please keep an eye out for hatchery brown and rainbow trout with tags and/or pelvic or adipose fin clips.

We’d really appreciate photos of any fish you catch, either wild or hatchery.

The lower Patea River can provide a relaxing backcountry fishing experience.

Check out the river flows at https://trc.govt.nz/environment/maps-and-data/site-details/?siteID=28&measureID=9&timePeriod=30days before you go.

The river fishes best at flows below 25 cumecs.

For more information on Taranaki trout fishing opportunities, go to https://fishandgame.org.nz/taranaki/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/fishing-locations-and-access/ and click on the “Taranaki ringplain”, “Whanganui” or “Ruapehu”.

Lake Rotomanu Family Trout Fishing Day – Saturday, 29^th October 8 am – 1 pm 

Success at last year's Lake Rotomanu family trout fishing day

The 3^rd annual Lake Rotomanu Family Trout Fishing Day is fast approaching, so grab your fishing gear and bring your kids down to the lake to fish for 500 rainbow trout from the Eastern Fish & Game Region’s Ngongotaha hatchery. 

Lake Rotomanu is located near the Waiwhakaiho River mouth in Fitzroy, New Plymouth, and it also supports a good population of perch, which are fun for the kids to catch. 

The event is run in conjunction with the Inglewood Rod, Gun & Recreation Club and Taranaki Hunting & Fishing. Hynds Pipe Systems will also have their BBQ trailer on-site at the Rod & Gun Club marquee to provide plenty of tasty sausages and chocolate fish. 

Families are encouraged to register prior to the day by emailing their details to jmorison@fishandgame.org.nz or by visiting or phoning the Taranaki Hunting & Fishing stores in Oceanview Parade, Moturoa and The Valley MegaCentre, Waiwhakaiho (06 757 2255). 

On the day, families are asked to bring what fishing gear they have to the Rod & Gun Club’s marquee tent set up on the grass by the boat ramp, and volunteers will assist with gear set-up, lures, bait etc.

Families will then be able to distribute themselves at suitable fishing sites around the lake.

Volunteers will also circulate to provide advice and assistance where needed.

Worms are a favourite bait, so if you have a good supply at home, they would be greatly appreciated.

Stratford kids’ trout fishing day 

Keen young anglers and their helpers at the Scout Den pool in King Edward Park, Stratford.

Make a note in your diary the 25^th Stratford kids trout fishing day is going ahead on Saturday, 3^rd December, with 300 large rainbow trout released into the Scout Den pool in King Edward Park.

Book a timeslot at the Stratford i-site in Miranda Street from early November.

Tight Lines

Allen Stancliff, Taranaki Fish & Game.