Lower North Lowdown Weekly Fishing Report - 23 January 2025

Saturday's The Day!

"It finally feels like summer," is the call from our Manawatu-based staff this morning.

The same could be said for much of the rest of the lower North Island at last too, with warm temperatures in the mid to high 20s for most of the Wellington and Taranaki Fish & Game regions.   

Today is set to be a scorcher, particularly for the Wairarapa, where the mercury is set to reach the low 30s! Manawatu is expected to come close to that mark on Saturday.  

Rivers are low and clear and the angling outlook for the next few days looks epic. 

Saturday is going to be the day for those who can't sneak out during the working week, though, as a northerly band of rain is moving in on Sunday before switching to a southerly and the possibility of more precipitation.     

On an exciting note, cicadas have been heard in Wairarapa; the warmer weather and a little rain will hopefully see these insects burst out of the ground in larger numbers over the coming weeks.  

 

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Here's the outlook this weekend...    

 

Hutt Valley

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Hutt Valley.

The Hutt River is low but still not yet at high summer levels - 5.2cumecs at time of writing. Local anglers report the river and tributaries are clear after recent rain spikes and that the algae build-up has made wading very slippery so take care. Given the low and clear water, fish are spooky; long leaders and small flies are the best bet for success.        

The Hutt River at Totara Park this morning (Photo: Al Markham)

 

Kapiti Coast

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Kapiti Coast. 

The Otaki, Waikanae and Ohau are at really low summer flows and could well do with a fresh, which may arrive on Sunday. Until then it's all go for anglers with plenty of rivers on the Coast to choose from. The upper reaches could see some good fishing as the water temps will be cooler in the forested hill country. That said, we had a report from one angler who followed our advice in last week's report and got into some rainbows downstream of SH1 on the Otaki last weekend. 

The Otaki River at SH1 yesterday (Credit: Joy Allen).  

 

Wairarapa

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Wairarapa region.

The Ruamahanga River and tributaries - the Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau - are all looking amazing this morning under clear sunny skies. Flows are starting to get low but the water is still cool enough to keep the trout active. Cicadas were out in force yesterday and with another really hot day to day there could well be a good hatch on. Make sure you're stocked up on large terrestrial imitations before hitting the water.                     

Check out the latest conditions for the lower Ruamahanga by calling this free-phone number - 083229069.             

The Waiohine River at SH2 this morning (Photo: Hamish Carnachan).

Manawatu

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Manawatu region.

It's all systems go for Manawatu anglers! The rivers are low and clear this morning, and sunny skies are forecast to last until Sunday when rain arrives with a southerly pushing the prevailing northerly aside. It'll pay to check the flows for the Manawatu River, Pohangina, Oroua and Mangatainoka before venturing out towards the end of the weekend, otherwise there are plenty of opportunities between now and then. Good numbers of medium sized rainbows have been spotted in the lower reaches of the Pohangina which is great news for the recovery of the fishery.   

The Pohangina River at Raumai Reserve this morning (Photo: Matt Kavermann).

Rangitikei

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Rangitikei region.

The Rangitikei River, along with Kawhatau and other larger tributaries such as the Hautapu are all a picture for anglers! Flows are at summer levels and the water is clear right through the column. We've had reports of excellent numbers of mid-sized rainbows coming from the middle reaches of the Rangitikei - 3lbers in the vicinity upstream and downstream of Vinegar Hill. Showers are forecast for the next few days. These shouldn't affect the flows too much, however, watch the levels on Sunday as more weather pushes in.        

The Rangitikei River near Mangaohane yesterday (Photo: Horizons).           
 

Taranaki Ringplain

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Taranaki Ringplain region.

The beautiful run of weather continues this week throughout the Taranaki Ringplain, with high air temperatures and westerly winds forecast 'til Saturday, when a shift to northerlies may bring with it some long anticipated rain. We’ve had some great reports of healthy brown and rainbow trout (some in the 6lb-plus range) being caught recently throughout the region. Water temperatures in streams and rivers have been steadily rising, with some now showing recordings on or above 20degC. Consistent high water temperatures may be making trout quite uncomfortable, and as a result, fish will be seeking out cooler headwaters, or deeper pools that maintain lower temperatures. Keep this in mind when planning your next trip to increase your chances of finding more fish. To track water temperature data, click here. 

 

Check out the up-to-date data on rainfall and river flows. 

The Waiwhakaio River at Audrey Gale Reserve (Photo: Jack Harland).

Waimarino

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Waimarino region.

The forecast for the Waimarino is looking similar to that of the Taranaki Ringplain, with clear weather turning to possible rain throughout Saturday and Sunday. If rainfall does eventuate this weekend, focus fishing efforts towards the softer edge margins of flooded/discoloured rivers - this is where the fish will concentrate. The live river flow for the Mangwhero River will give you an idea of what other nearby waterways are looking like.  

The Mangawhero River at SH4 this morning (Photo: Horizons).

 

Photo Competition - Win A $300 Hunting & Fishing Voucher

Jackson Funnell with a good Wellington Fish & Game region brownie (Photo: Toby Funnell).

Send in your favourite fishing photos from this season and you could be in to win a $300 voucher to spend in store at Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing.

We won't blow your secret spot, just include the name of the angler(s), photographer's details, and general location in the Wellington-Taranaki Fish & Game region.

• Click here to submit your entry.

You can send us as many fishing photos as you like. By submitting images to enter the competition you acknowledge that Wellington Fish & Game can publish and use the photos for publicity material.

Entries must be in by 5pm Tuesday, April 2, 2025. The winner will be announced in the Lower North Lowdown report on Thursday, April 4, 2025.

Tip Of The Week - When The Water Warms

Hooked up on a good brown that was sheltering from the sun under willow (Photo: Hamish Carnachan).

After several weeks of hot weather, many rivers and lakes are beginning to see a drop in flow and water levels.

While the frequent rain has helped keep water temperatures in the lower North Island tolerable for trout, it might not be long before fish start moving around and seeking cooler water.

Forest-lined tributaries often provide more shade, allowing fish to stay longer, much like spring-fed creeks with their constant supply of cool water.

If you plan to fish these smaller tributaries, take care to land fish quickly to avoid overexertion in the warmer water, especially if you intend to release them.

Other tips for tackling trout when the water warms is to fish during the cooler parts of the day such as early in the morning or after the sun goes down - the cooler ambient temperatures will usually see an increase in feeding activity.

As water warms we know that dissolved oxygen drops out of the water. Places where water mixes - such as incoming side-streams, pocket water and riffles - will hold more trout.

And even if you can't spot fish under overhanging vegetation, it is good to throw some blind casts into shaded areas of rivers and stream where the trout will be sheltering from the sun.  

         

Video of The Week - Big Dries, Big Trout

Here's a well shot video of a backcountry mission chasing large trout in summer on large dry flies. 

With the cicadas turning up in the lower North Island, and finally some more summer-like weather, hopefully this will be us in a few weeks!    

Click the screenshot above to watch. 

 

Support Women On The Fly

Women on the Fly NZ has launched a fundraising raffle! 

Women on the Fly NZ is a grassroots not-for-profit organisation dedicated to connecting anglers, hosting exciting events, and championing women-led initiatives in the fly fishing community.

From beginners to seasoned enthusiasts, they're here to help you build skills and confidence on the water.

Up for grabs in the raffle is the beautiful Trish Mulligan acrylic on canvas painting (above) , along with Hunting and Fishing NZ vouchers.

To get a ticket for the raffle, and support the great work of Women On The Fly NZ, click here.  

Check, Clean Dry - Help Protect Waterways

Now is the perfect time to familiarise yourselves with the NEW North Island Check Clean Dry procedures. Click here to watch. 

 

Noticeboard

• Wellington Region River Works: Don't let bulldozers in the river ruin your fishing plans. Click here to download a schedule of Greater Wellington Regional Council's latest planned river engineering works.
• Manawatu Flood and Drainage Works: Anglers can access Horizons Regional Council's latest schedule of flood and drainage river works here.   
• Access to Lake Namunamu, near Hunterville, is closed as the access road is upgraded in preparation for the logging of Ngaruru Forest over the next three to five years.

If you have any angling-related information you'd like posted to this noticeboard, including upcoming angling club meetings and outings, please get in touch with us.  

*This report was accurate at time of writing. For your safety, please ensure you check the latest weather and river flow information before you head out on the water.