Reel Life February 2026 - Eastern

Arghhhh, the Weather!

Our much-loved sport of trout fishing is always affected by the weather. Sometimes that can play into our hands; rain to encourage spawning runs, heat to stimulate insect hatches and many more possibilities.

Above photo: Matt and Liam Osborne team up on Tarawera

This ‘summer’ is one of extremes however, as the whole country can’t seem to get much of a break from effects of the worst kind. As we go to print, the central North and much of the South have again been hammered by flooding. Our own East Coast has had another bout of the wet stuff, making recovery from January’s beat-up even harder to get over. But get over it we will. Rivers are robust, it takes time, but fisheries bounce back.

The Rotorua lakes have actually fared well, and because it’s nice to look for the positives, these periods of high rain are good for long-term growth. If we can add to the enhanced growth we've seen since 2022, we’ll be in for some exceptional fish. Here’s hoping!

And on the lakes, fishing had been good, but somewhat inconsistent of late. One day will see good catches, the next day it will be hard. The Big Three, Okataina, Rotoiti and Tarawera are all producing excellent catches of solid fish. We’ve witnessed many rainbows upward of 3.8kg and some as high as 4.5kg recently. With the start of spawning still two or three months away, we can realistically expect some cracker fish along the winter shoreline this season.

A bin load of solid fish heading for the smoker .

Lake Rotorua’s stream mouth scene continues, although again, the cooler weather isn’t making it any easier. Fish are being caught with every legal method imaginable. The best times remain morning and evening, with a shot at a big brown always better after dark.

Remember to be respectful of other anglers' space when fishing at these popular locations.

Winter Licences

The winter fishing licence is available from the beginning of April at a much-reduced rate. April marks the beginning of spawning and there’s still lots of boat fishing to be had with some lakes and waters staying open until the end of the season on September 30^th.

Get your chance to enjoy some great fishing at a much reduced licence rate for the remainder of the season.

See here for licence options and to make a purchase.  

Summer Catch and Release

If you are planning to release your catch, it’s important to make it count, that is, make sure the fish survive – especially over the warmth of summer.

A few things will make all the difference. Firstly, use a well constructed landing net with fine notless mesh, or rubber mesh. This will reduce damage to the fishes’ skin and protective slimy (mucus) layer. Don’t handle the fish out of water at all if possible. Keep it fully submerged and only lift it for a few seconds for a photo, making sure the photographer is totally set-up before you do so. Warm summer water isn’t helpful for C&R survival, so consider fishing when the temperatures are at their lowest such as dawn, or fishing at locations that have cold water, like springs or cool river mouths.

For a full run-down on the pros and cons of making your C&R work see here.

Keep ‘em wet for better C&R survival

Review of local angling rules underway

The Eastern Fish and Game Council are currently reviewing its angling rules (called the ‘Anglers Notice’) and are seeking feedback on several proposed changes. The ‘Anglers Notice Process’ is a system whereby the regional sportsfishing rules are reviewed and may be altered to allow for sustainability of the resource, foster participation and maximise opportunities for anglers.

The Eastern Region Fish and Game Council are keen to remove barriers to participation and to make the fishing regulations as simple as possible to encourage all anglers and new participants into the sport.

Suggested Changes being considered by Eastern Region Fish & Game Council;

1. Open up lower sections of tributaries of Lakes Aniwhenua and Matahina (Whirinaki, Horomanga, Mangamako, Waihou, Waikopu Streams) to year-round fishing.
2. Create a new Lake Rotoiti Winter fishing area that includes “The 130m section of the SH33 shoreline from the Lake Rotoiti Control Gates at Okere Falls to the upstream end of the Public Jetty opposite the Okere Falls Store.”
3. Defining a ‘softbait’ within the regional definitions.
4. Make ‘All Other Waters Not Listed’ more prominently displayed within regulation guide.

More information on the suggested changes may be viewed by clicking here

If you have any views on the proposed changes, please ensure all correspondence is returned by 20^th March 2026. This provides Council with the opportunity to consider feedback prior to their May Council meeting.

Correspondence should be emailed to mosborne@fishandgame.org.nz

New Access Mapping System

 A new online mapping system has just been adopted by the Eastern Fish & Game Region (and several other regions). It is still in development, but is already a useful tool for finding fishing locations and the regulations that apply to that spot. The filter tool (top right of screen) enables users to focus on the access or fishing style they are interested in.
Select here to view

Don’t forget to CCD!

The new season is a good time to remind everyone of our need to Check, Clean and Dry gear between waterways. Pest organisms are sadly on the increase and the precious resource we all love is at risk. Please remember to CCD between your fishing trips, follow the instructions of the Regional Councils and MPI.

Datawatch tagged Trout

Tagged trout can now be entered online. Entries go into the draw to win one of 10 free whole-season fishing licences: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QCH5ZR6

Eastern Region Fishing Diaries – All lakes and streams

Fill in your fishing diaries here to help us manage the Eastern Fish & Game region. Participants go in the draw to win a $100 voucher from Kilwell: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/QRSD7D3