Weekly Fishing Report - 6th December 2018

The rain has run its course and we have clear skies and falling rivers for the weekend. 

A lot of the big waterways in Wairarapa and further north are still going to be affected by the large amount of rain we've had but the tribs and small feeder streams should have cleared out by Saturday.

There are still plenty of good fish holding in the spawning streams, so don't discount these - big fish in tight confines makes for exciting angling!

The last of the showers are supposed to have cleared the region by tonight, and sunny skies and warm conditions will prevail over the weekend which hopefully signals the onset of the summer fishing we're hanging out for.   

Buy your licence online here if you still need to and make the most of good conditions this weekend.  

Pictured above right: The Waipoua looking beautiful earlier this week with good fish seen feeding frantically in the reaches that run right through Masterton - what an asset! (Credit: Hamish Carnachan).   

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

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The Hutt River is well up but surprisingly has a fishable edge and will probably be quite good for spinning from tomorrow onwards given it will carry colour for the next few days. The tributaries - such as the Akatarawa, Whakatikei and Pakuratahi - have peaked at time of writing suggesting the last of the rain will flow through over the next 48 hours leaving good fishing conditions over the weekend.                 

Kapiti Coast

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The Otaki is still rising but certainly tapering off as we write, the Ohau is falling and the Waikanae looks as though it hasn't received'nearly as much rain. This bodes very well for the weekend's angling - just check the flows before you head off.

Wairarapa

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The Ruamahanga is really pumping today and, though it's falling, chances are it will still be dirty over the weekend. All the major tribs are dropping too but are still clearing plenty of flood flow as well. Your best bet for the weekend is going to be the smaller stream - not a bad thing because they are still holding some spectacular fish!                            

Manawatu

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The Manawatu is a write-off. Local anglers are going to have to carefully pick their spot and look at the smaller rivers and streams in the hope they clear the extra flow faster. The Pohangina looks great at Piripiri at time of writing and with no further rain forecast it should be on fire this weekend. The Orua is up and coloured but could drop back in time for Saturday, similar story for the Mangatainoka. Check the updated flow graphs on Friday evening for a better picture.      

Rangitikei

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The Rangitikei is again milky around the Mangaweka area downstream, but clear and clean up at Pukeokahu. There's negligible rain forecast for the next few days so get above the colour-taint and you'should be into some good fishing. 

Note that we are conducting ongoing compliance in Rangitikei backcountry fishery to enforce important changes that have been brought into force this season. See the Notice Board below for details.

Tip of the Week - High Flows Ideal For Spinning

High flows are when spin fishing really come into its own.

With the conditions we've got this weekend, it might be an idea to have you spinning gear on hand. 

Traditional spinning with shiny metal lures, Toby's and Rapalas works best with a bit of colour in the water. 

If you're new to the sport, click the image below to download our brochure with awesome, easy to follow tips to help you catch plenty.     

By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.

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 - Click here to see where Greater Wellington Regional Council is ripping your rivers apart. Email Debbie.Kelly@gw.govt.nz to register your complaints about this appalling 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.