Weekly Fishing Report - 7 December 2017

We've pretty much hit drought conditions so now is the time to get a little strategic about your approach to fishing - this means thinking a bit harder about where the fish are going to be holding. 

Most of the rivers are very low and warming up so trout will be seeking refuge in key areas such as gorge-sections where there is shade an more flow, or at the bottom of deep pools. Adapt you fishing accordingly.

The conditions also dictate that fish need to be handle with even more care than normal if you're releasing them. Check out our Tip Of The Week below for more info.

There's a little rain coming through for some parts of the region on Sunday and early next week (and this will be a good thing) but otherwise the weekend is set up well for fishing. Make the most of the great conditions.    

Grab your fishing licence online here. Remember 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.

Pictured above right: Dan Thomas gives chase to a Wellington region backcountry brown. (Credit Andrew Harding) 

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

Click the weather icons above to update.

The Hutt River is ... . 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 ...          

Wairarapa

Click the weather icons above to update.

The Ruamahanga is .

Manawatu

Click the weather icons above to update.

The Manawatu is ...  The Mangatainoka is ...

Rangitikei

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The Rangitikei is ... Showers turning to rain on Sunday so watch for rising rivers if it is heavy - could actually bring the fish onto the feed.             

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 - Handle With Care...

When water is warm and rivers are low trout, being cold-water species, will often be quite uncomfortable in less than optimum conditions. Naturally, catching them can cause further stress.

That's why if you're planning to release any fish you land, it is essential that you handle them with particular care so as to give them the best chance of surviving after release.

The short video above is an excellent tutorial that all catch-and-release anglers should watch. It teaches the best techniques for safely returning fish with minimal impact.

Just click on the screenshot above to check it out.          

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.
• 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.