Angler Access Advocacy Pays Off

After seven years, Kourarau Dam is finally re-opened to the public. This popular fishing spot in Wairarapa was closed for safety reasons after a significant localised flood event undermined the bridge that provided access to the lake.

Wellington Fish & Game has been advocated for several years to have the bridge and angler access reinstated because Kourarau Dam provides one of the few still water fishing options in the lower North Island.

Owned by Trust House, Masterton, initially the remediation work was put in the “too hard basket” owing to excessive safety restrictions imposed by local councils made the repair cost prohibitive.

Several years on, with staff changes at Trust House and a new council providing impetus to re-open this community asset, the access bridge has been reinstated. The successful outcome is the result of collaboration between Trust House, Carterton District Council, adjacent landowners and Wellington Fish & Game.

Korarau Dam provides idyllic fishing on a small hydro lake surrounded by gently rolling farming farmland. It holds rainbows up to 3lb, with the occasional larger fish. For anglers in the lower part of the North Island, this fishery is a great fallback option when rivers are blown out after rain.

Pictured above: Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan and Carterton Mayor Ron Mark at the re-opening of angler access to Kourarau Dam in Wairarapa.