Weekly Fishing Report - 22nd November 2018

The last couple of weeks have been a case of picking your time to get out when the conditions are optimum.   

While we've had plenty of spring rain, the rivers have needed it and the extra flows seem to be pushing through (or are absorbed by the land) pretty quickly.

It's just unfortunate that we've gone through a phase of the best weather coming mid-week because those lucky enough to get away from work have done exceptionally well.

On  the upside, that could change this weekend if the river flows aren't too badly affected by all the recent rain.

Meanwhile, there are very encouraging reports of the fishing quality returning to the mid reaches of the Ruamahanga. The Rangitikei is simply sublime, and Ruahine/Tararua backcountry anglers are reporting good numbers of fish, though they still need to put on some condition to be in their prime.          

Watch the river flows closely over the next few days because there will be a weather window for anglers to get out Saturday and Sunday before the rain returns early next week.   

Please ensure you have your licence - buy one here if you still need to. 

Pictured above right: Rangers checking backcountry licences in the upper Rangitikei River (Credit: Hamish Carnachan).  

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

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The Hutt River is just starting to creep up at time of writing but the forecast shows little rain for the ranges. With that in mind we're going to give it a green light but if you find it a little discoloured check out the nearby tribs such as the Akatarawa, Whakatikei and Pakuratahi.                

Kapiti Coast

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The rain looks like it's barely made an impact on the Otaki, Ohau and Waikanae which are all sitting at fishable flows at time of writing. With little appreciable rain in the ranges over the next three days these should all be fishing well over the weekend.   

Wairarapa

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Despite heavy rain the Ruamahanga is at a fishable flow this morning and appears to have peaked, going by the flow graph. A tentative green light for weekend but the tribs should almost certainly be good to go - remember the smaller waters in the Wairarapa are fishing really well because the water hasn't warmed up enough to force the trout back into the mainstem rivers.                           

Manawatu

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The Manawatu carrying a hint of colour in town this morning but is definitely fishable, while the Pohangina and the Orua are crystal clear. Only occasional heavy showers are in the forecast so all rivers and streams in this part of the region should be fine for fishing over the weekend - just take a jacket as the spring shower will persist.                     

Rangitikei

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The Rangitikei is confusing a few people because there is a milky flow downstream of Mangaweka, possibly bleeding out of a papa slip. Further upstream it is clear as clear and fishing superbly. No reports in yet on the Hautapu River and Kawhatau but on the off chance the mainstem comes up because of the rain, these smaller tribs will be well worth a look.   

Please note there are some important changes to the regulations for the Rangitikei backcountry fishery. See the Notice Board below.            

Video of the week

Click the screen-shot below to check out Andrew Harding's latest video clip of Wellington region trout fishing awesomeness.   

We Need Your Eyes On The Water

Worked recently carried out by Greater Wellington Regional Council in Wairarapa turning a meandering braided river into a lifeless channel.  

If you see any bad activity when you're out and about fishing the region's rivers, please take a photo and let us know what you've happened across. 

Recently an angler took some shocking images of stock in water (dead and alive) and the ghastly impact it was having on the water quality. A simple photo taken on the cell phone and details of where it was taking place has meant the matter can be followed with the local authorities. 

We're also interested in photos of atrocious river bulldozing like that illustrated above. There's no reason for rivers to be destroyed in this manner, in this day and age, particularly by the regional council which professes to be looking after the environment.

If you encounter any such activity please email the pics and details to us. 

Webcams

 Click the screen shot below to go to Horizon's website showing the list of available river webcams.

Notice board

• Important changes to the regulations for the Rangitikei backcountry fishery come into force at the start of this season - click here for more. 

• River bulldozing - Don't let this destructive activity by Greater Wellington Regional Council ruin your fishing. A schedule of river bulldozing in the region's rivers can be found here. Email Debbie.Kelly@gw.govt.nz to register your complaints with this practice. 

• Ruamahanga access at Gliding Club (Greytown). Anglers are being directed to the Tilsen Road access.

• We've just been advised of the flushing flows from the Moawhango Dam which will cause the rivers downstream (including the Rangitikei) to rise: 

  Water Released from the Dam Tuesday at 9pm:

  Wednesday 12 December 2018 – 9 hours

  Wednesday 30 January 2019 – 5 hours

  Wednesday 20 February 2019 – 5 hours

  Wednesday 20 March 2019 – 5 hours

  Wednesday 1 May 2019 – 5 hours

   

 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.