Weekly Fishing Report - 5 October 2017

For a change it's really great to be able to write what a super start to Opening it has been!

Those who got out on Sunday - October 1 - had a little wind to contend with in some parts of the region but otherwise it was clear skies and silly fish that are evidently well rested and eager to feed.

The writer of this report admits to being quite rusty after winter, missing several takes and dropping fish on Opening day, only to have the same trout take the same fly even though it had been pricked by it!

That's the great thing about early season angling - the fish are just so eager to oblige and take your fly or lure.     

What has also been noticeable is the superb condition the browns are in, particularly good in light of all the floods they have had to endure over the off-season.

Aside from a few older fish taken most of the brownies seen have had great condition-factor already. That bodes really well for later in the season when they will have packed on even more weight.

We've got rain coming for some parts on Sunday (though out east looks okay) but otherwise Friday and Saturday should turn on some good fishing conditions again.

After several washed-out starts to the season, make the most of the favourable conditions we've got now.  

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.    

PS - Just another reminder to see the noticeboard below if you are affected by Vodafone terminating its email service.

Pictured above right: A great start to the season Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan (Credit: Hamish Carnachan).

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

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The Hutt River has extra spring flow but is fishable and should be great for Saturday. Remember that this fishery is one of the jewels in Wellington's crown and has incredibly high numbers of trout. Kids can even fish for them with bait (check the regs). The tribs are also holding good numbers.   

Kapiti Coast

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The Kapiti Coast rivers are all looking great for tomorrow and Saturday. Just watch for the rain coming in on Sunday. Remember though that fish will often feed hard ahead of bad weather so don't let a few drops of rain put you off (just stay safe).

Wairarapa

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The Ruamahanga is also carrying spring flow but is still green and clear and good to go. The tribs are all looking great too at time of writing are well worth venturing up, including some of the smaller arterial streams too.   

Manawatu

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The Manawatu was fishable above SH2 yesterday but still carrying a bit of milky colour - excellent for spin fishing or for spotting trout on the clear edge. Higher up was looking great with some good browns about. The Oroua and Mangatainoka are looking in super shape and holding good numbers but the Pohangina is on the up after some rain in the hills last night - check before heading out.

Rangitikei

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The Rangitikei is still struggling to clear extra flow making it murky around the mid and lower reaches. The higher you can go above Mangaweka the better, otherwise hit the tribs like the Hautapu which is on fire!  

Tip of the Week - Hit The Small Streams

Small headwater streams hold some good fish early season.

Early season, when flows are still high, is a great time to target some of the tiny feeder streams.

Often you'll find trout that have taken up residence in some of the deeper pools or haven't yet dropped back into the bigger water bodies after spawning.

While it may seem that some of these streams are simply too small to hold fish, go for a wander and you'll be surprised where you find trout.

Often they will be large specimens too so, combined with the tight surrounds, it can provide challenging and technical angling.   

The other great aspects is that often when the larger waterways are taking longer to clear the frequent early-season freshes, these arterial streams come right much more quickly.  

With good flows in the headwater streams at present, it's the perfect time to explore some water you may have overlooked in the past.    

By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.

Video of the week

Check out how good we Wellington Fish & Game region anglers have got it - backcountry magic caught on camera by Andrew Harding.

Click the screenshot below to watch...

Fish & Game mag online

Click on the screen shot above to visit Fish & Game NZ magazine, where you'll find a heap of useful info, videos and articles to help you max out your angling.

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. 
• 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.