Weekly Fishing Report - 16 November 2017

The season just keeps getting better with more fine weather and reports of very big, well-conditioned fish being caught throughout the region!   

The superb run of early-season weather we've been having has allowed more angling than we're usually used to at this time of year, and the results indicate some outstanding fish are about.

We're seeing fish well over 5lb caught in the lower reaches of some of our rivers as they chase the whitebait runs, and trout already pushing the trophy 10lb mark are being taken in the upper catchment areas.

Consider that these fish are technically still putting on condition and the mind boggles as to what size some of the specimens may reach as the season progresses...

The rivers are looking stunning, with good clear flow, and the weather Gods are again smiling on us - Nothing for it other than to hit the water and get into the action.       

And if you want a reminder how good the fishing is in the Wellington Fish & Game region, check out this short video.  

Grab your fishing licence online here and remember only the premier Full Season Licence offers unhindered angling.    

PS - Those anglers likely to be affected by Vodafone terminating its email service, please see the noticeboard below.

Pictured above right: An 8.5lb brown taken from the a well-known Wellington region river last week. (Credit: Peter de Boer) 

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

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You can't beat the Hutt River on a good day and we've got several of those on the cards this weekend. The river is low and clear but still cool which is keeping the fish feeding actively. The Hutt browns are known to be tough but this time of the season is when the odds are more in the angler's favour - make the most it.          

Kapiti Coast

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All the Kapiti Coast rivers are set up beautifully for the weekend. Reports suggest the Otaki and Ohau are taking a little while to fire so perhaps aim for the lower reaches and the sea-runs that are around at the moment. Otherwise poke you nose up some of the smaller streams which are still holding trout that are yet to drop back.        

Wairarapa

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The Ruamahanga is looking a picture this morning. The encouraging news is that after a lean year last season, it looks to have bounced back a bit. No doubt, though, the hype is around the lower reaches at present where good sea-runs and whitebait chasers continue to be caught - just pick the right tide! 

Manawatu

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Unfortunately the Manawatu is looking great throughout it length today and with no rain forecast it should fishing fine over the weekend. The tribs - Oroua, Pohangina and Mangatainoka - are all looking equally good. Get into it Palmy anglers - there are a heap of fish around! And don't forget to take the family to Centennial Lagoon where several hundred trout from last weekend's kids fish-out event have been released.  

Rangitikei

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The Rangitikei is looking simply stunning this morning. There are some forecast thundery showers today, but clearing this evening, which shouldn't hinder the weekend's fishing.        

Video of the week

Ever wondered how good the angling really is in our region?

Check out this sweet video we've put together with Fish & Game NZ Magazine.

Click the screenshot below to watch...

Tip of the Week - Fish Both Ways

A good Ruamahanga brown taken on a Rapala lure (Credit: Hamish Carnachan).

Fish both ways - There's a bit of a double meaning here...

On the larger rivers in our region - Manawatu, Ruamahanga, Hutt, Rangitieki, Otaki -  it can really pay to fly fish your way upstream, as you normally would, and then break out the spinning gear on the return to your starting point. 

Why not turn what's normally a long, boring trudge back to the car can into productive angling time?

It's actually incredible how many fish you pick up on the way back down that your missed on the upstream beat. You'll be surprised.

This is often because you can cast a lot further when spinning - perhaps to the opposite bank - covering a lot more water and also get you lure deeper than flies.

Give it a crack, you'll likely double your normal strike rate

By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.

Fish & Game mag available online

Click on the cover image above to visit Fish & Game NZ magazine, where you'll find a heap of useful info, videos and articles to help you maximise your angling enjoyment and success.

You can also enter to win an Epic fly rod worth $1500!

Notice board

• Email updates - If you are a Vodafone email customer you're will be affected by the company closing the service at the end of Nov. Please don't forget to email us your updated details so you can continue receiving our Weekly Fishing Reports.   
• River bulldozing - Don't let this activity by Greater Wellington Regional Council ruin your fishing. Click here for the latest schedule of river destruction (you can also register your complaints through this page).
• Ruamahanga access at Gliding Club (Greytown). Anglers are being directed to the Tilsen Road access.
• Moawhanga Flushing Flows - An early alert that these will be conducted over the following dates: 

- 12/13 December
- 23/24 January (after Wellington anniversary weekend)
- 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.