Reel Life September 2021

Life back to normal? Not quite!

I think we can all agree, the countries excursion back into Covid lockdown tested our patience and sanity!

YouTube videos of angling excursions during better times provides some relief but even they, after time, become difficult to watch.

The Government announcement on August 30th that localised, shore-based fishing under all levels was okay, came as a breath of fresh air.

Here are six locations in the Eastern Fish & Game region that can be fished currently. There are lots more, possibly more suitable to your location, but these should at least act as an inspiration.

Remember, we are to fish locally, so stay as close to home as possible and boat fishing isn’t permitted under levels 3 and 4.

Keep an eye on the Covid19 website in case the rules change. Good luck!

1. Ngongotaha Stream mouth, Beaumont Rd, Lake Rotorua. The Ngongotaha Stream enters Lake Rotorua and can be accessed from Beaumont Rd, Ngongotaha. The stream mouth fishes well during summer when the lake heats up over 19 degrees C. Spawning trout congregate during winter and early spring especially after rain. A floating line and small Woolly Bugger or smelt fly, or small dark nymph fished under an indicator work well. Spin fishing is permitted.
2. Hamurana Stream mouth, Lake Rotorua. The Hamurana Stream mouth enters Lake Rotorua and can be accessed from Hamurana Road. The stream mouth fishes well during summer when the lake heats up over 19 degrees C. A floating line and small Woolly Bugger or smelt fly, or small dark nymph fished under an indicator work well. Spin fishing is permitted. The Hamurana Stream above the road bridge is closed to fishing.
3. Lake Rotoiti, Ruato Bay. Ruato Bay Lake Rotoiti is open to fishing all year. Best times are between April and August when spawning trout return to the location of their release. Ruato fishes well after dark with a floating line and small wet flies, boobies or lumo doll flies.
4. Lake Tarawera, Rangiuru Bay. The point out to the right of the bay fishes well year round. Spin or fly fishing with smelt patterns are productive. Wading is required to access deeper water.
5. Lake Okareka, board walk access, Acacia Rd, off Okareka Loop Rd. Several kilometers of easy boardwalk access to shoreline fishing. Ideal for spin and fly fishing
6. Lake McLaren and Ruahihi Canal, Tauranga. Lake McLaren is located on McLaren Rd, off SH29. This small hydro lake is set in a tranquil park with easy access including picnic areas, camping and toilets. The lake is relatively shallow and trout can be seen cruising the shoreline is search of food. Early mornings and late evening are the best times during the heat of summer with dries flies and nymphs or wet flies and spinning during the spring and autumn being effective methods. Trout grow to about 1kg and the lake is stocked annually with rainbow and browns.

Opening dates set to change for lakes Rotoiti, Okataina and Tarawera

The traditional opening dates for lakes Rotoiti, Okataina and Tarawera are set to change for the new season.

While the new fishing season will commence on the 1^st of October as always, lakes Rotoiti, Okataina and Tarawera won’t be open until the Saturday following, which this year will be Saturday the 2^nd.

This regulation excludes the winter shoreline areas which remain open all year.

The Eastern Fish & Game Council has introduced the change so that anglers who normally work weekdays will be able to enjoy the opening more often, and by having it on the weekend hope that it will create more of a carnival atmosphere for all.

The rest of the Rotorua lakes will open on the 1^st (Friday) as normal, as will many of the rivers and streams throughout the country.

Anglers are reminded to check their new season regulation guides provided with their licence or available on-line from the Fish & Game web page.

Datawatch tagged trout can now be entered online. Entries go into the draw to win one of 20 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

Tight Lines

Mark Sherburn, Eastern Fish & Game Officer