Reel Life November 2025 - Taranaki

The weather here in Taranaki has settled nicely over the past few weeks, and there is now a definitive summery feeling in the air. Anglers have reported some great catches lately from rivers and lakes handy to New Plymouth, and from those spread across the ring plain.

Insect activity has started to pick up, and trout have been responding enthusiastically to terrestrial dry flies. A few short-lived freshes have passed through recently, washing away accumulated algae and giving rivers a temporary boost in flow. These spikes were brief, however, and most waterways have quickly returned to their typical late-November flow levels.

This mix of increasing insect life, cool (mostly clear) water, and trout feeding hard after winter and spawning makes it an ideal time to fish throughout the region. With water temperatures sitting in an optimal range for trout, it’s a great window to target both browns and rainbows before the true heat of summer arrives.

Rotomanu Fishing Event

The 6^th annual Lake Rotomanu Kids Fishing Day was a great day out in the sun, with kids landing both perch and trout in a variety of sizes, including some impressive catches from children as young as two years old.

There are still plenty of fish in the lake, including four rainbow trout over 10lb that, as far as we know, are yet to be caught.

Thanks to the Inglewood Rod, Hunting and Clay Target Club, and Taranaki Hunting & Fishing for their support and help from volunteers on the day. Also, thanks to New Plymouth PaknSave for their sponsorship support.

Nikau Moratti at the 2025 Lake Rotomanu kids fishing day

Gold Clam (Corbicula fluminea) Discovery at Lake Rotomanu

The invasive gold clam (Corbicula fluminea) was discovered for the first time on the 2^nd of November at Lake Rotomanu, at a location adjacent to the boat ramp. This is the first recorded sighting of this species outside its previously known location in the Waikato.

The gold clam poses a significant risk to our freshwater ecosystems. To prevent its spread, and as a precautionary measure, Lake Rotomanu is now closed to all boats and powered watercraft until further notice.

It is extremely important that all recreational users of the lake follow the Check, Clean, Dry methodology when coming to and from the lake, including:

• Checking gear and equipment for any visible plant matter, mud, or debris.
• Clean thoroughly using hot water (60°C or higher), a bleach solution, or an approved decontamination solution. For slow to dry items, freezing these until solid is a proven solution.
• Dry completely for at least 48 hours, ensuring no moisture remains before using gear in another waterway.

If you come across suspicious shellfish or freshwater organisms in a waterway where you suspect they shouldn’t be, do not move them, take a photo and record the location, and report immediately to MPI via 0800 80 99 66.

For more information on the gold clam and the appropriate Check, Clean, Dry process, you can view the following resources from MPI and NIWA below:

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/.../exotic-freshwater-clams...

https://niwa.co.nz/.../about-clam/gold-clam-life-cycle

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/.../boating-and.../check-clean-dry

Stratford kids fishing event 

The 28^th annual Stratford kids’ trout fishing day is being held this year on Saturday 6^th December 2025. The event involves the release of 300+ large rainbow trout into the scout den pool in the Patea River within King Edward Park, in the heart of Stratford.  Children will be able to fish from 8am until 1pm with help from Stratford Fishing Club members and volunteers.

Parents and caregivers can now book a 15-minute time slot for their kids by visiting the Stratford i-Site in Miranda Street Stratford or ringing them on 0800 765 6708. All fishing gear will be provided, though if you have a good supply of worms for bait they’ll be much appreciated.

The beauty of this release is that the trout remain in the vicinity for several months, complementing the Patea River’s resident brown trout population and providing great fishing for novice and expert anglers alike through the school holidays and Christmas period. If you would like to volunteer to help kids’ fish on the day, please get in touch with Taranaki Fish & Game on 06 757 9676.

The Stratford Fishing Club and Taranaki Fish & Game are very grateful for the longstanding support from the Taranaki Electricity Trust for this event, as well as Stratford Lions.

Regional regulations and licensing

To ensure you are familiar with the latest fishing regulations, you can check them out here, to purchase a license, click here.