Reel Life February 2026 - Taranaki

It’s been a predominantly warm and settled summer so far here in Taranaki, with sunny conditions periodically broken up by rain fronts and stronger south-westerly winds. The resulting intermittent freshes have been particularly beneficial for ring plain and surrounding waterways, helping to flush accumulated algae and maintain healthy flow conditions.

These rainfall pulses have also prevented water temperatures from climbing too quickly into February temperature ranges that can become stressful for trout. As a result, most rivers remain in great mid-summer condition, especially where flows have stayed stable between freshes.

Terrestrial activity is very strong at the moment, Cicadas have been especially vocal across the region alongside other summer insect life, particularly during warmer afternoons and early evenings.

In the Waimarino district, altitude and regular rainfall have helped to keep rivers in excellent condition throughout the peak of summer. Catchments within and around the National Park have remained clean, low, and consistently cool, providing ideal conditions.

Feedback from Waimarino anglers has been positive, with reports of active fish and stable water clarity across much of the region. These cooler upland systems continue to offer reliable fishing opportunities, particularly during the cooler morning and evening periods.

Sattlers release

About 70 lively rainbows were released recently into Sattlers dam with thanks to Department of Conservation staff at the Tongariro National Trout Centre, with these fish ranging in size from 1lb to a few specimens that would have tipped the scales at over 6 lbs.

The dam was looking good on the day of release, with great water clarity, small established weed beds, and plenty of bank margin for casting and retrieving.

An excellent option for targeting trout at Sattlers is to fish a worm or nymph suspended under a bubble float – cast towards the middle and let the breeze push your float around, just make sure to stay in contact with it!

Softbaiting or spinning is another great option, just be mindful of how long lures are left to sink to avoid potential snags on the bottom.

The surrounding vegetation will mean lots of insects will end up on the water’s surface, and fish will become accustomed to targeting these – terrestrial dries morning and evening could make for some exciting angling.

To access Sattler’s Dam head west from Raetihi along the Pipiriki- Raetihi Road before turning right into Mangaeturoa North Road. Follow this road up into the gorge for approximately 6 km until Sattlers Dam appears on the right.

Mangaeturoa North Road is a winding and narrow-metalled road. We understand it may not currently be used by logging trucks but there is plenty of other traffic, so please take care, keep left, follow the speed restrictions and expect oncoming traffic on blind corners.

Licence Reminder for Anglers

A quick reminder that all anglers are required to carry their current fishing licence while fishing and be able to produce it upon request from a Fish and Game Ranger.

Another option is to save your licence receipt as a PDF or keep a clear screenshot of the receipt on your phone. Please note that if you are using a digital copy, you will also need to carry valid photo identification.