Reel Life April 2023

Above Right: Collecting some nice rainbows from the Tongariro National Trout hatchery for the Sattler’s dam release.

Sattler’s dam rainbow trout release

The annual release of trout into Sattler’s dam near Raetihi was done on the 13^th of April.

Thanks to the generosity of DOC’s Tongariro National Trout Centre, Fish & Game staff picked up 101 decent rainbows from the hatchery just south of Turangi.

The fish are in awesome condition and will be a decent fight for any angler.

Above Right: Collecting some nice rainbows from the Tongariro National Trout hatchery for the Sattler’s dam release.

To get to Sattler’s dam, head west on Seddon Street through Raetihi onto the Pipiriki - Raetihi road.

Turn right onto Mangaeturoa North Road. Follow the gravel road for about 5.5km, and the dam is on your right.

Romon Sargeson releases fish into Sattler’s dam.

You can park right next to the dam, away from the road.

The dam is a great spot for families to go for a day’s fishing while taking a picnic basket.

However, we advise people to be extremely careful on Mangaeturoa North Road as it is frequently used by logging trucks and has several narrow stretches and blind corners.

Evenings after work and weekends will likely be safest.

Rangers will be checking the dam regularly, so make sure you have your fishing license on hand.

Winter fishing in Taranaki

With the summer fishing season coming to an end, it’s now time to make that last trip to your favourite fishing spot before it closes on April 30^th.

Although a number of waters do close over winter for trout spawning, there is still a decent amount of Taranaki water open all year round.

Check the table below or your regulation guide to see what waters are open.

The main stem of the Manganuioteao River (downstream of the Makatote confluence and excluding tributaries) remains open until June 30, and if we have a nice settled autumn it will be a productive place to fish as trout move upstream in readiness for spawning.

Follow the link below to the Manganuioteao angling information and download the access map to find out which landowner to contact for access. https://fishandgame.org.nz/taranaki/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/fishing-locations-and-access/ruapehu-fisheries/

On the Taranaki ringplain, among a selection of waters, the Hangatahua (Stony) River and the Waiaua River downstream of SH45 remain open, but please note that there is a zero-bag limit for brown trout in these two fisheries to help them recover from the effects of headwater erosion events on Taranaki Maunga.

Othmar Hebler with a 1.5kg perch from Lake Rotorangi

Taranaki’s perch fisheries, such as Lakes Rotokare and Rotorangi east of Eltham and Lake Wiritoa near Whanganui, are also worth a visit at this time of year.

Lake Rotomanu in New Plymouth providing fishing for both perch and rainbow trout.

For the flyfisher, Lake Mangamahoe is currently providing good fishing for hatchery rainbow trout, plus the occasional wily brown. 

Last word

If you are going out on a day trip, be sure to check the weather forecast before you leave home.

As the locals know, our rivers can have significant increases in flow in a short period of time, especially if there is a cloud burst on the mountain.

Be sure to let someone know your intentions and take appropriate clothing and footwear.

We want everyone to come home safe at the end of a day’s fishing. 

Taranaki Region Winter Season Angling Waters

Tight Lines

Jacob Morison, Taranaki Fish & Game