Reel Life January 2025 - Taranaki

Taranaki summer in full swing. 

The Taranaki region has had some beautiful, settled weather recently bringing warmer air temperatures and extended dry spells, with all streams now hovering near or at their summer low flow levels.

Above picture: Severine Hannam with a lovely Lake Rotorangi Brown caught while softbaiting. Credit Nik Hannam

This has boded well for the fly angler, making it easier to spot trout on their feeding lies. At this time of year, anglers casting dry fly imitations such as Cicada or Passion Vine Hoppers may work well as they start to become more common.

Those interested in throwing out a spinner or soft bait have been finding success targeting deeper stretches and pools on mainstem rivers like the Manganui, Lower Patea, and Manganuioteao River.

A happy young angler with a Rainbow from the Patea River

Persistent southerly winds have kept overnight temperatures cool over the past few weeks, but the lower reaches of streams are now heating up in the late afternoon, therefore targeting the middle and upper reaches of waterways may be more productive as temperatures continue to rise.

Regional access and environmental information

Feel free to check out our interactive access map here to find new fishing spots throughout the Taranaki and Wellington region.

To keep track of regional river levels and other useful environmental data, you can check out the Taranaki Regional Councils website for more here.

Don’t forget to ‘Check, Clean & Dry’

As we enter warmer months and move around to fish and explore, it is important to highlight the importance of checking, cleaning and drying any clothing, equipment and fishing gear before moving between waterways to help prevent the spread of didymo, lake snow and other freshwater pests.

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/outdoor-activities/boating-and-watersports-tips-to-prevent-spread-of-pests/check-clean-dry/

 

Happy new year to all from the team here at Taranaki Fish and Game – tight lines!