Weekly Fishing Report - 8th November 2018

Spring has arrived late, which likely accounts for the unsettled weather and windy conditions we've had the last few weeks.  

This week is much the same, with strong winds and downpours in the ranges dominating. The gales forecast for the lower North Island have just arrived at time of writing and so too has the rain.  

Not ideal, but the good news is the weekend weather is largely looking fine and sunny.

The problem we have - and often encounter at this time of year - is forecasting what impact the rain today and tomorrow will have on the river flows for Saturday and Sunday.

A strong rain band is supposed to move over the region on Friday afternoon and evening, but it should pass through quickly. So, at this point, we'll give the smaller rivers a tentative orange light (possibly fishable) for late Saturday and Sunday. 

As always, though, check the flows before you go. And make sure you have your licence - buy one here if you still need to. 

PS - We've still got a few places available for our Family Fish-Out event in Palmerston North this weekend, November 11 and 12. Visit Manawatu Hunting & Fishing to make a booking.

Pictured above right: A stunning stretch of easily accessible Wairarapa water just waiting to be fished (Credit: Hamish Carnachan)  

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

Click the weather icons above to update.

The Hutt River is looking good at present but with a heavy rainfall warning for the Tararua Range in place it will be marginal over the weekend.The tribs such as the Akatarawa, Whakatikei and Pakuratahi are going to be the best bet.                

Kapiti Coast

Click the weather icons above to update.

The heavy rainfall forecast for the Tararuas will affect the flows for the  Otaki, Ohau and Waikanae. Be sure to check the flows before you go.  

Wairarapa

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The Ruamahanga has been looking beautiful this week but will surely colour up today as the rain dump in the ranges comes through. Best options for the weekend are the smaller streams like the Kopuaranga, Waipoua and Huangaroa, but please check their flows before heading out.                          

Manawatu

Click the weather icons above to update.

The Manawatu, is well fishable today but will likely come up with the rain moving through today and tomorrow. The Pohangina and the Orua might be worth a shot but it be well worthwhiule checking the flows before journeying that way.                  

Rangitikei

Click the weather icons above to update.

Murphy's Law has the Rangitikei once again looking stunning while we're all at work but it will come up for the weekend, though to what extent we don't know. To be on the safe side we'd advise that the Hautapu River, and the Kawhatau and smaller feeder streams, are probably going to be the best bet if any fishing is on offer this weekend. Check the flows Saturday morning.  

Please note there are some important changes to the regulations for the Rangitikei backcountry fishery. See the Notice Board below.            

Video of the week

Click the screen-shot below and be inspired some beautiful Wellington backcountry fishing action.   

Tip of the Week - Brown Beetles

The Labrador pup has been having a ball on dusk the last few nights chasing hatching brown beetles around the front lawn. 

A dead brown beetle - Trout will be vacuuming these little insects at present (Credit: Hamish Carnachan)

You can be sure the trout are doing exactly the same. 

I know we run this 'tip' every year but we're just trying to give you a hint as to what the fish will likely be feeding on at this time of year. 

There are numerous beetle imitations that work - humpies and even Royal Wulff flies will do the trick. And trout dialed in on these insects generally aren't too fussy as long as the size and form is roughly the same as the natural. 

Remember, too, that the fish will feast on the dead beetles, and these are often found in large numbers in back eddies the morning after a warm still evening when a big hatch has lifted off.

If you're having trouble getting a take from a fish that is likely to be on brown beetles, try fishing one sunk just below the surface.         

By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.

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 - Don't let this destructive activity by Greater Wellington Regional Council ruin your fishing. A schedule of river bulldozing in the region's rivers can be found here. Email Debbie.Kelly@gw.govt.nz to register your complaints with this 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.