Spring Fishing Conditions in Full Swing!          

Pictured - Stunning fishing conditions yesterday in the Tararuas. (Credit: Hamish Carnachan)    

Another moist north-easterly airflow is going to bring a mixed bag of weather for the lower North Island this weekend.

Periods of heavy showers, some persistent, could bring rivers and streams up in a short space of time. 

Given the precipitation is forecast to be localised, however, it should mean that any freshes push through quickly.

Typical spring conditions mean it's a matter of keeping an eye on the flows, and making the most of the fishing when the opportunities present. 

Indeed, those anglers who have been getting out when conditions allow have been having a ball - good numbers of fish showing little sign of any pressure. 

If there's one benefit to the humid weather it's that the insects love these conditions and already we're seeing some superb hatches and dry fly action!  

There should be plenty of weather windows to get out on the water this weekend, so make the most of it.

As always at this time of year though, check the river flows before you go.          

Grab your licence online!         

Here's the outlook for the weekend:

Hutt River and tributaries

Click here for live weather updates.

The Hutt, Akatarawa, Pakarutahi and Whakatikei are all beautiful at time of writing. The forecast is for local downpours today and tomorrow, which makes picking river conditions somewhat tricky. Look at the flows and move around to check some different waters in case other catchments are clear.      

The Hutt River at Totara Park this morning (Credit: Al Markham)  

Kapiti Coast 

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The Waikanae, Ohau and Otaki are low and clear this morning. There should be fishable water over the weekend despite the north-easterly system moving through. Use the river links to monitor the live flows and you'll find some angling. The lower reaches of the Otaki are still running hot with sea-run browns and kahawai.      

The Otaki River at SH1 this morning (Credit: Phil Teal)

Wairarapa 

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The Ruamahanga and the major tribs - including the Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau - are low and could do with some rain. It looks like that is going to happen with heavy cloud build up at time of writing and rain imminent. Check the flows before venturing out and pay attention to the smaller streams which are fishing very well lately and will clear quicker if there's a fresh.    

The Waiohine River at SH2 this morning (Credit: Hamish Carnachan)

Manawatu

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More low flows and low rivers in this part of the region. The Manawatu River mainstem is looking great at time of writing, all the way through. The Pohangina is fishing well for those prepared to do some leg work, and there's the odd report of fish coming from the Mangatainoka lower down, though no reports in from the Ōroua to date. With the least rain forecast, the Manawatu area could have the pick of the fishing for the weekend.                   

The Manawatu River at Hopelands this morning (Credit: Horizons)

Rangitikei 

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It is a case of targeting the small streams in the central high country this weekend. The Rangitikei River is already carrying a sediment load and the river flow forecast is for it to rise further. The Hautapu is an outside chance depending on how heavy and how localised the rainfall is going to be.             

The Rangitikei River at Mangaweka this morning (Credit: Horizons) 

Get The Kids Hooked On Fishing

Wellington Fish & Game and Rangitīkei District Council are gearing up for an exciting weekend of fishing with local anglers at Tutaenui Reservoir.

Following a fishing day for Royal NZ Air Force (RNZAF) personnel from Ōhakea on Friday 19th November, the Tutaenui Whānau Fishing Weekend will be welcoming anglers from across the district to try their luck getting a fresh catch on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th of November.

Wellington Fish & Game Senior Field Officer Matt Kavermann says that over 400 rainbow trout will be released into the lower reservoir ahead of the event.

“With over 400 rainbow trout being released, there’s a good chance of success. These trout are only two years old and from the Ngongotahā hatchery in Rotorua, so they're likely to be hungry and eager to oblige the anglers.

“We’re hoping lots of whānau will come along to enjoy the fishing and the reserve this weekend, and potentially take away some healthy free-range food for the table.”

Kavermann says that the fishing weekend offers more than just having some free kai for dinner.

“The weekend is about more than just fish. It is well recognised that fishing is great for mental health and wellbeing, and similar events held elsewhere in the lower North Island show it’s a great way for whānau to spend quality time together.”

Rangitīkei District Council District Promotions Strategic Advisor, Jen Britton, says that the trout release aims to provide additional recreational opportunities within the reserve.

“We want everyone to get out and explore the beautiful Tutaenui Reservoir Reserve. The reserve offers some of the best perch fishing in the region, lots of picnic spots, and great walkways.”

Britton says that this is the first time such an event has taken place at Tutaenui Reservoir Reserve.

“We can’t wait to have people up there to see the progress that has been made by the Tutaenui Stream Restoration Society and Marton Rotary Club. The site has turned into a great community asset and we thank everyone for helping facilitate what is going to be a great event and regular feature on the calendar.” 

Kavermann says all anglers will need to be licensed for the fishing weekend.

“Anyone that wants to go fishing at the reservoir must be licensed. These are free for under 12s and can be organised on the day if needed.”

To buy a fishing licence ahead of the event, please visit the Fish & Game website.

Check the Rangitikei District Council Facebook page for more details.  

Noticeboard

• Treble Hooks - New regulations for the 2022-23 season ban the use of treble hooks on waterways where there are maximum size limits on trout i.e., fish over a certain size must be returned. These rivers are identified in Note 3 on page 39 of the regulations book. This measure was adopted by the Wellington Fish & Game Council to help the survival of large fish, the breeding specimens, when released after being caught. Please consult the Wellington section of the regulations guide, particularly Note 5 which details where trebles are permitted. All other waters only single hooks are allowed. 
• Wellington Fish & Game has been advised of the following dates for flushing flows from the Moawhango Dam:

13 Dec, 21:00-06:00

24 Jan, 21:00-02:00

14 Feb, 21:00-02:00

14 Mar, 21:00-02:00

25 Apr, 21:00-02:00

• Otaki 'Take a Kid Trout Fishing Day - Held at Winston's Lakes Otaki on Saturday, November 19. Information on Otaki Hunting and Fishing's Facebook page or phone 06 3648969.    

• River Bulldozing - Don't get an unwelcome surprise by Greater Wellington Regional Council's river bulldozing ruining your day on the river. The upcoming activity schedule can be found here.

• The Happy Valley Trout Centre is having an open day December 11. For more information please contact Strato Cotsilinis.      

• Upcoming fishing competitions

  29-30 January 2023: Sport Fly Fishing New Zealand Inc(SFFNZ) Ruamahunga Regional Competition is to be run 29-30 January 2023 from Kokotau Rd (Gladstone) to Te Whiti Rd (Masterton).

 If you have any information you'd like to have considered for addition to the notice board, please get in touch with us.  

​*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.