Trout boost for eastern hydro lakes

Fish & Game officers have made their annual trek from Rotorua to two small hydro lakes south of Waikaremoana to boost the local fish stocks.  

Fish & Game Eastern Region staff carted 500 rainbow and 50 brown trout reared at their Ngongotaha hatchery to release into lakes Whakamarino (also known as Tuai) and Kaitawa. 

Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne says that most of the 550 fish were released into Tuai, with some into Kaitawa.  The two lakes form part of the Waikaremoana hydroelectric power scheme run by Genesis. 

There is good access around the Tuai power station where many of the biggest fish have been caught and to a number of points around the lake shoreline, he says. Tuai is designated fly fishing only and can also be fished from a small unanchored boat.

Kaitawa is a picturesque spot with easy access to walkable shoreline for fly and spin anglers alike.

Mr Osborne says that the two locations are an extra draw card for anglers who might be chasing fish at Lake Waikaremoana a short distance away.

If the weather prevents access at Waikaremoana, Tuai and Kaitawa’s more sheltered location is ideal for fishing.