Wellington Weekly Fishing Report - 17 December 2020

The rivers and weather are looking absolutely stunning this morning - conditions that will last right through the weekend. 

This is the first time in some weeks that all the rivers, right throughout the region, have been set up with perfect flows for fishing, so there's plenty of choice for anglers on Saturday and Sunday.            

There might be a little wind around the lower part of the region over the weekend, but if you're lucky enough to be on holiday already - or can sneak out after work - it'll be hard to find better fishing conditions than what we've got right now and forecast for Friday too.   

It feels like summer might have finally arrived!

This will be the last full report for the year; we'll resume around mid-January when staff are all back on deck.  

Make sure you grab your licence before things get too hectic in the Christmas rush - rangers will be active over the holiday period so expect to encounter them when you're out on the water.

As we sign off on this magnificent day, all the team at Wellington Fish & Game would like to wish you a safe and happy Christmas. We look forward to catching up in the New Year. Tight lines.   

Here's the outlook:   

Pictured: Ranger Steve Doughty with a very healthy Wellington Fish & Game region rainbow (Credit: Colin Shore).   

Hutt River and tributaries

Click here for live weather updates.

The Hutt is looking stunning this morning, as the picture below attests. The Akatarawa, Whakatikei and Pakarutahi are all in perfect condition too.Look to make the most of these smaller tributary fisheries as the trout will start to drop back to the mainstem Hutt in the coming weeks as flows fall.   

The Hutt River at Whakatikei this morning (Photo: Steve Doughty)           

Kapiti Coast

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Lovely calm conditions on the Kapiti Coast this morning and a preceding settled patch of weather mean the Otaki, Ohau and Waikanae are all in great shape for fishing today and through into the weekend.  

The Otaki River this morning (Photo: Phil Teal)             

Wairarapa

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The Waiohine (image below) is an absolute picture today: not a breath of wind and that beautiful turquoise colour of a crystal clear river flowing straight from the backcountry. Needless to say, the Ruamahanga and other tribs like the Waingawa, Tauherenikau and Waipoua are set up perfectly - get out on the water!    

The Waiohine River at SH2 this morning (Photo: Hamish Carnachan)               

Manawatu

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It is green-light for go right across the Manawatu region with all rivers looking great. With lovely weather forecast right through into next week, there will be no issues with flow in any of the Manawatu, Oroua, Pohangina or Mangatainoka for anglers.            

Manawatu River at Teachers College this morning (Photo: Horizons)

Rangitikei

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Lovely condition up in the central high country have Rangitikei, Hautapu, Kawhatau and other rivers set up nicely for anglers. In terms of flow the Rangitikei is the best it has been for some weeks so anglers should make the most it.                              

Rangitikei River at Mangaweka this morning (Photo: Horizons)

Tip of The Week - Try The Park & Cast Circuit

Kaitoke on the Hutt River is one of many great campsites in the region with excellent fishing nearby (Copyright: Hamish Carnachan)  

For anglers looking for something different to do with the family this Christmas break, or perhaps over a long weekend, check out the lower North Island Park & Cast circuit as an exciting and low-coast holiday option. The circuit has camping spots on each of the following rivers – Hutt, Otaki, Rangitikei, Mangatainoka and Ruamahanga – giving you and the family access to some excellent fishing and a good look of the region along the way.

Hutt River – Kaitoke Regional Park has an amazing campground on the banks of the Pakarutahi River, a tributary of the Hutt. While trout numbers are better in the nearby Hutt, anglers will find fish in the Pakarutahi away from the popular swimming spots.

Otaki – The Otaki Forks campsite is a stunner and it’s cheap. On the edge of the Tararua Forest park the drive in is beautiful, following the Otaki River. There is good fishing at the forks or below SH1.

Rangitikei – The Vinegar hill campground is a Manawatu institution. Set on a lovely flat bounded by a seeping curve of the Rangitkei River. Ecellent spin fishing for the whole family both upstream and downstream of the campsite.

Mangatainoka – The campground opposite the famous Tui Brewery is a great spot to park up with very good numbers of fish a short way upstream. Fly angling and spinning will both do the business and you can’t beat a cold beer and tasty bar snack at the brewery after your fishing.  

Ruamahanga – The cliffs campsite at the end of Dakins Road is free and just happens to be right beside one of the most productive stretches of this great angling river. Walk a short distance upstream or downstream if the campsite is busy. Watch for the evening rise in summer!

If you are travelling around fishing this season, please ensure you thoroughly Check, Clean and Dry all your equipment to prevent the spread of weeds and other unwanted aquatic organisms.  

- By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.         

Webcams

Click the screen shot below to go to Horizon's website showing the list of available river webcams.

Notice board

• Fishing regulations for the Wellington Fish & Game region can be found here.  
• Don't get a nasty surprise by Greater Wellington Regional Council's river bulldozing ruining your day on the river. The upcoming activity schedule can be found 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 - For your safety please ensure you check the latest weather and river flow information before you head out on the water.