Weekly Fishing Report - 30 November 2017

The recent rain has brought some welcome respite to the rivers and trout, but angling is still on the cards for some parts of the region this weekend.    

Funny how we've previously cursed rain at this time of year in previous seasons but this year it's been so dry that the rivers - and trout - actually need a fresh and more flow.

Conditions were getting quite dire for a lot of waterways in the southern half of the Wellington Fish & Game region, though thankfully the recent tropical-like deluges have added some water to parched catchments.

The downside is that there's been so much rain in the high country areas that it'll be slim pickings for anglers until the water recedes; fishing in the southern half should be good to go, though, and the trout will be nicely recharged after becoming quite lethargic in the low warm water.

We're still getting reports of superb catches and great conditioned fish coming in - the best start we've had to the season in a long time. Don't miss out the action. 

Grab your fishing licence online here. Remember too that only the premier Full Season Licence offers unhindered angling, unlike the other cheaper categories.    

PS - There has been some confusion around toxic algae alerts for the Hutt catchment. Note that it IS SAFE to go fishing (though experts advise against eating fish from affected waterways). Click here for more.

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

Pictured above right: Peter de Boer with a very fit backcountry brown. (Credit Peter de Boer) 

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

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The Hutt River is up a little but it's been so low this isn't a bad thing. Will have dropped this flow and cleared by the weekend so the fishing should be great. Be aware that there are toxic algae alerts out for the catchment, but it is still safe to go fishing (though experts advise against eating fish from affected waterways). For more information on the algae, click here.                

Kapiti Coast

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All the Kapiti Coast rivers have received a small flush from the recent rain. This should have pushed through just in time for the weekend and will have marked effect on improving the angling, having recharged the rivers and the fish.          

Wairarapa

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The Ruamahanga is up a bit after the rain in the ranges but is dropping quickly and should be good to go by the weekend. All the tribs are also falling fast and will largely be running clear for fishing by tomorrow. This much needed fresh will be awesome for the fishing. Get into it - the action will be hot like the weather this weekend.

Manawatu

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The Manawatu is unfortunately out of order and unlikely to change by this weekend. A lot of rain has fallen in the Ruahines and most of the tribs are also up and dirty. The Mangatainoka though is falling fast and could be spot on if it clears enough - check the flow before heading over.

Rangitikei

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Like the Manawatu, the Rangitikei has been affected by heavy rain in the ranges and is flowing the colour of a chocolate milkshake today and probably for much of the weekend too. The tribs aren't much better so stay local if your in the south of the region or head down the line if you up the Rangitikei way.           

Video of the week

Can't wait to get out this weekend? Let this short video whet your appetite... Click the screenshot below to watch...

Tip of the Week - River Cams

How the Rangitikei was looking this morning.

If you're having trouble understanding the river flow information we provide in these reports, or perhaps prefer a visual rather than graphical interpretation, help is at hand.

Horizons Regional Council has some really good live web cams watching over rivers around the region.

The shots taken give you an idea of what the conditions are looking like, whether the rivers re fishable, or if they'll clear in time (in case you don't trust our forecasts...)

Only a handful of rivers in the Horizons region are covered, and unfortunately Greater Wellington Regional Council doesn't have any yet, but if you have knowledge of the catchment areas a quick look at the river cams will give you an idea of conditions on other neighbouring and nearby waterways.

Add the link to your favourites - it's a really handy tool to help plan your fishing.   

By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.

Stuck for Christmas present ideas?

If you’re short of ideas on pressies for outdoor-minded friends or relations, consider a subscription to our Fish & Game NZ magazine.

Given the price of glossy mags these days it’s a real bargain for an annual subscription of $35. There’s heaps of great info on the mag’s website too. And if you're quick you can still bag yourself a new Epic Kiwi Classic fly rod - the draw closes tonight!

Head to the magazine website (click the cover image above) and find out how to enter.

Notice board

• If you didn't receive a copy of our annual angling newsletter you can download a copy here.
• 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 - Click here for more information but following is an early alert for the dates the flushes be will conducted: 

- 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.