Weekly Fishing Report - 28 September 2017

Only a few more sleeps to go before Opening - Sunday, October 1 - and for once it looks like the weather is going to hold for anglers!

The big rain event from Monday is pushing through nicely and clear rivers should coincide with the weekend.

This will set up near perfect Opening conditions with uneducated trout eager to get back on the feed after days of high flows.

While there is some patchy drizzle forecast, the only real issue is going to be the wind in some places. Be sure to pick your spot carefully and maybe backpack in a spinning rod too if your heading into the hills. 

With Opening falling on Sunday, there's no need to pull a sickie to get into the trout so it's guilt-free fishing on offer for all! This, combined with the reasonable conditions on offer following several Opening Day washouts, means you've got to make the most it.      

Our rangers will be out and about, including in the backcountry to make sure no-one jumps the gun, so make sure you play by the rules and always carry your licence with you.

Grab you fishing licence online the easy way here. And don't be disappointed by lesser licence categories - be sure to get our premier Full Season Licence which offers unhindered angling.    

Tight lines, be safe, and remember to always check the weather before heading out, especially if you're going backcountry. 

PS - Please see the noticeboard below if you are affected by Vodafone terminating its email service.

Pictured above right: A beautiful brown from a lower North Island tributary. These smaller waters open this Sunday - put yourself in the picture (Credit: Andrew Harding).

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

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The Hutt River has a bit of colour and extra flow from the heavy rain on Monday but it is clearing very quickly and is going to be in great condition over the weekend. The tribs don't open for the season until Sunday, by which time they too will be in perfect shape for fishing and should be holding some good trout. 

Kapiti Coast

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The Kapiti Coast rivers all have a little extra flow this morning but are dropping quickly. They should be fishing superbly after the fresh so get out for Opening (Sunday) and make the most of the good conditions and uneducated trout.

Wairarapa

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The Ruamahanga still has a lot of flow and colour to clear before it's fishable but we're banking on it being okay by the weekend. As for the upper reaches which open on Sunday, these should be fine but the strong winds may create a challenge for casting. Find shelter or take your spinning gear (where permissible). 

Manawatu

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The Manawatu is going to be marginal this weekend but the smaller tribs should have dropped and cleared by the time Opening day (Sunday) rolls around. Check the flows here before heading out - Pohangina, Oroua, Mangatainoka.

Rangitikei

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The Rangitikei and is still high and coloured up but the Hautapu and other smaller tribs should be fishing well for Opening (Sunday). As with elsewhere, wind is going to be an issue so pick your spot wisely. 

Tip of the Week - Get Down 'N Dirty

Even when rivers are running nice and clear early in the season they can still be carrying deceptively high flows.

Obviously this means care must be taken when crossing, but it also means you may need to go for heavier flies or spinning lures to ensure they're getting down to where the fish are holding.

Even when you can see fish quite clearly, they may be a lot deeper than they look. Subsequently, if you're using gear that is too light they will be reluctant to travel a long way up through the water column to snatch your offering.

Put it right in the fish's face! Tungsten - like the triple-tungsten 'bombs' pictured above -- is super effective at getting flies very deep, very quickly.

Always ensure you have heavy flies like these in your arsenal early season - you can tie a more natural, lighter nymph, about 20-30cm off the hook shank to get it deep down.    

By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.

Fish & Game NZ magazine online

We've just uploaded a heap more content from some of our back issues of Fish & Game NZ magazine.

Feature articles, photo spreads, columns and fly tying - check it out Fish & Game NZ magazine online.

We're also giving away an Epic 'Kiwi Classic' fly rod valued at $1500. Click on the cover image to find out more. 

Video of the week

Backcountry bliss capture on film by Andrew Harding. Click the screenshot below to watch, noting that you can fish in all sorts of adverse conditions!

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. 
• Fly Fishing Film Festival - Screens at the Lighthouse Theatre, Petone, Oct 2.
• World Rivers Day was recently marked. Find out more here. 

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.