Weekly Fishing Report - 08 February 2018

Good fishing is on offer early this weekend but rain settling in on Sunday could raise river. 

Yep, it's another tricky one to predict with a weather system bearing down on the country from the north. Last weekend we admittedly got it wrong, with the rivers clearing early than we forecast and being fishable by Sunday.

That said, as we predicted, the fishing was superb after the refreshing flows and cooler temps, the trout responding very well to the welcome relief from the hot dry conditions. With the cooler air temps this week the fishing is still running hot too. 

It goes to show the importance of using the links we provide in these reports to get the updated and live weather and river conditions before you leave the house to go fishing. 

Given there's nothing more menacing in the forecast for Friday and Saturday other than grey skies and a few spots of rain, we're going to give most of the rivers a green light but note that DOES NOT apply to Sunday for this particular report.      

PS - Some of the best fishing is right now and in the months ahead so if you need a licence get one online here.      

Pictured above right: Former Fish & Game chief executive Bryce Johnson enjoying his retirement on the Ruamahanga last Sunday (Credit: Hamish Carnachan) 

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

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The Hutt River is again  low and clear but the fish have been revitalised following last week's rain. Should be good through to Saturday but watch for the rain settling in on Sunday. The smaller tribs like the Akatarawa could remain fishable but please check the flows before heading out this weekend. Note that it is still safe to go fishing in the Hutt catchment despite the blue/green algae outbreak but experts advise against eating fish from affected waterways. For more information on the algae, click here.                 

Kapiti Coast

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The Kapiti Coast rivers - the Waikanae, the Otaki and the Ohau - are looking stunning so get in ahead of the rain is the key message this week. A few spots will appear tomorrow and Saturday but the main weather arrives on Sunday - that leaves a window of a couple of days to hit these rivers.       

Wairarapa

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Beautiful conditions on the all the Wairarapa rivers this week with the Ruamahanga fishing very well after last week's fresh. Anglers reported good numbers of medium sized rainbows and bigger browns but the fish are schooling up so move until you find them. A chance for a fish Saturday but flows after the rain setting in on Sunday will likely affect river conditions.      

Manawatu

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There's a brief window of opportunity to hit the Manawatu and tribs - the Pohangina, Orua and Mangatainoka rivers - tomorrow and perhaps Saturday before they colour up with the rain forecast to set in late Saturday/Sunday. Get in while you can because the fishing has been running red hot lately in this part of the region.      

Rangitikei

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With rain building from tomorrow the Rangitikei is unlikely to be fishable in the weekend so take the day off and get in early tomorrow or wait it out.                     

Video of the week

Click the screenshot below to check out Andrew Harding's latest production showcasing the quality of our freshwater fishing in the Wellington Fish & Game region.

Tip of the Week - More Help For Fishing The Hutt

We're currently uploading our Hutt River Access brochure to our website... Watch this space, we'll provide a link in the next weekly report. 

The brochure provides heaps of info on both popular and lesser known access points, tips for fishing different reaches and user friendly maps.

The Hutt is one of New Zealand's great brown trout fisheries, we're doing everything we can to help our anglers make the most of this stunning resource on Wellington's doorstep.

Don't forget we also have a dedicated brochure on How To Fish The Hutt River - ask at our office (06)3590409.             

By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.

Latest Issue Out Now!

The latest issue of Fish & Game magazine is out now and features a remarkable story involving legendary Wairarapa angler and artist -the late Martin Simpson!

Can't find a copy in your local bookstore? Why not just grab a year's subscription - an absolute bargain at just $35 for the year.

There’s also heaps of great info on the mag’s website too.

Notice board

• If you didn't receive a copy of our annual angling newsletter you can download a copy here.
• River bulldozing - Don't let this destructive activity by Greater Wellington Regional Council ruin your fishing. Click here for the latest schedule of river wrecking (you can also register your complaints by emailing: Debbie.Kelly@gw.govt.nz).
• Ruamahanga access at Gliding Club (Greytown). Anglers are being directed to the Tilsen Road access.
• Moawhanga Flushing Flows - Click here for more information but following is an early alert for the dates the flushes be will conducted: 
  - 13/14 February
  - 13/14 March
  - 17/18 April

Email Wellington Communications and Field Officer Hamish Carnachan if you'd like any fishing or freshwater-related items posted to this noticeboard.

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