Reel Life October 2024 - Taranaki

An opening day rainbow set for release. Photo Dean Caskey.

October has been marked by typical spring weather, with a series of fast moving fronts moving through. However, they’ve been producing only minor freshes and streams and rivers have been clearing quickly.

The regular freshes have kept streambeds largely clear of accumulated algal growth, and this has helped maintain high quality aquatic insect communities, with plenty of Deleatidium and Coloburiscus mayflies present in the middle and upper reaches of streams.

Anglers have been catching some nice fish in between freshes, including good numbers of well-conditioned maiden fish. Some of the larger adults are still in recovery mode after spawning but will pick up condition over the next couple of months. Fly, spin and softbait fishing have all been taking fish.

Check out the river flows before heading out:

https://www.trc.govt.nz/environment/maps-and-data/regional-overview?measureID=9&siteID=53

https://www.horizons.govt.nz/

And where to fish:

https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/where-to-fish/regional-info/taranaki/

Lake Rotomanu Family Trout Fishing Day – Sunday 3rd November

Grab your fishing gear and your kids or grandkids and come along to Lake Rotomanu in Fitzroy, New Plymouth on Sunday 3rd November for the 4th annual Family Trout Fishing Day.

Taranaki Fish and Game is funding the release of 500 rainbow trout into the lake for the event, which will run from 8am to 1pm in conjunction with the Inglewood Rod, Hunting and Clay Target Club and Taranaki Hunting & Fishing.

For children under 12 on 1st October, head to the Fish & Game website at: https://fishandgame.eslltd.co.nz/shop  to obtain their free fishing licence. Children 12 and over can register at Taranaki Hunting & Fishing stores in the Valley or Oceanview Parade, New Plymouth, or by emailing jharland@fishandgame.org.nz  and we’ll write them out a permit that allows them to fish at Lake Rotomanu until 31st August 2025. Permits can be collected on the day from the Rod & Hunting Club’s marquee tent located on the grass near the boat ramp.

Bring what fishing gear you have to the tent and volunteers will assist with gear set-up, lures, bait etc. Families will then be able to distribute themselves at suitable fishing sites around the lake. If you have a supply of garden worms, they are a great bait for trout and perch.

Fish & Game has 100 spinners to give away to get you going and Taranaki Hunting & Fishing will have ready-to-go spin fishing sets available for purchase from $40. There will also be free chocky fish and BBQ sausages available at the tent courtesy of Hynds New Plymouth, so come along and have an enjoyable day with the kids.

Success at last year's Rotomanu family trout fishing day