Weekly Fishing Report - 9 November 2017

The dream start to our season continues with more great fishing conditions on the cards this weekend!   

Apart from a touch of scattered rain about the central high country early Saturday morning there's nothing threatening to disrupt your angling.        

All the rivers are coming down from the blast that hit the region Wednesday and Thursday, however all but the biggest waters should be good to go by the time Saturday rolls around.

The high flows that have forced fish off the feed for a few days will mean they're hungry and ready to take as soon as the water clarity allows them to become active again.

So, leave the spring cleaning for another day because everything is aligned for some stunning fishing this weekend. Get into it and enjoy! 

And if you want a reminder how good the fishing is in the Wellington Fish & Game region, you've got to check this short video out.  

Grab your fishing licence online here if you haven't already. And remember only the premier Full Season Licence offers unhindered angling.    

PS - We’ve still got a few places available for our Kids’ Fish Out event in Palmy this Sunday. Contact Manawatu Hunting & Fishing to make a booking or call our office on (06)3590409.

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

Pictured above right: Angler fishing a beautiful pool last week - uncrowded Wellington Fish & Game angling at its best. (Credit: Hamish Carnachan) 

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

Click the weather icons above to update.

The Hutt River is coming down off a fresh but should be firing by tomorrow afternoon onwards. A great weekend to get the kids out on this sensational river - remember they can even use bait to increase their chances of success.       

Kapiti Coast

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The Kapiti Coast rivers are all dropping quickly and will be fishing really well right now. Don't let the patchy drizzle Saturday morning deter you because the fishing should be superb. Also, look around the river mouths for sea-runs - we've got reports of some stunning browns being taken in the lower reaches.   

Wairarapa

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The Ruamahanga is falling very fast and should actually be okay by Saturday; if not then the tribs will certainly be clean and clear by the weekend.        

Manawatu

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Unfortunately the Manawatu is out unless you get really high into the headwaters, perhaps north of Norsewood. The Oroua should be fishable by tomorrow but the Pohangina is going to be marginal for the weekend as it still has plenty of water to clear at time of writing. The Mangatainoka flow suggests it's good to go.

Rangitikei

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The Rangitikei is dirty again after the mid-week rain but could be fishable for those prepared to head higher into the catchment. At any rate the tribs - such as the Hautapu - are falling fast and should be good by Saturday, just check the flows before heading up that way.    

Video of the week

Ever wondered how good the angling really is in our region?

Check out this sweet video we've put together with Fish & Game NZ Magazine.

Click the screenshot below to watch...

Tip of the Week - Weather Insights

Metservice's mountain forecast for the Tararua Range

Those of us who fish the lower North Island are lucky in that Metservice provides an excellent mountain forecast for the Tararua Ranges, where most of our rivers are sourced and which have a major influence on the weather in this part of the region.

Unfortunately, the same is not provided for the Ruahines and Kaimanawas where our northern rivers are sourced, but at least we've got plenty of waterways covered by the Tararaua forecast, including some of the Manawatu fisheries used by Palmy anglers.

The Tararua mountain forecast offers a heap of really useful information and comes particularly in handy when planning backcountry outings.

Also, because of the 'blocking' nature of the ranges - causing cloud and rain to accumulate as moisture-laden air comes in off the Tasman - this forecast can give insight into how the precipitation in the Tararauas might impact the lowland rivers we plan to fish.

For example, quite often there is no appreciable rain in Wellington or the Wairarapa, but it can be bucketing down in the hills, causing the rivers to come up, and often very quickly.

So, save the following link and get into the habit of checking the Tararua Mountain Forecast when things are looking marginal.

It's an awesome tool to have at your disposal.  

By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.

Fish & Game mag available online

Click on the cover image above to visit Fish & Game NZ magazine, where you'll find a heap of useful info, videos and articles to help you maximise your angling enjoyment and success.

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.
• Moawhanga Flushing Flows - An early alert that these will be conducted over the following dates: 

- 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.