Wellington Weekly Fishing Report - 18 February 2021

Another cracker weekend ahead weather-wise and the rivers have been topped up beautifully by recent rain.  

Flows are rapidly returning to normal after the front that rolled through on Tuesday, but the fresh will have fired the trout into feeding mode across all rivers in the region.

Most of us have very settled conditions ahead for Saturday and Sunday, and with prolific insect activity at the moment we really are living in a fly angling paradise!  

You couldn't script better conditions for fishing than those we've got right now, grab your licence and get amongst it. 

Here's the outlook:   

Pictured: Caleb Hibbard with a very healthy Manawatu River brown trout (Credit: Kerry Hibbard).   

Hutt River and tributaries

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The Hutt and Pakarutahi are looking great this morning as they drop the flow from rain early in the week. There's a hint of tea colour, however that will be all but gone by the time the weekend rolls around and the high temperatures should have the cicadas back out. Apparently the evening hatches on the Hutt have been outstanding during the recent humid evenings.             

The Hutt River at Maori Bank today (Credit: Steve Doughty)

Kapiti Coast

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The Otaki, Ohau and Waikanae are quickly dropping back to normal flows but they are carrying a hint of colour still. This should clear by tomorrow, Saturday for the larger rivers, but all are very fishable today and looking great at the moment under blue skies and very still conditions on the Kapiti Coast.       

The Otaki River at SH1 this morning (Photo: Phil Teal)             

Wairarapa

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The Ruamahanga, Waiohine, Waingawa, Tauherenikau and minor tribs all have welcome extra flow today but they're falling fast and will be back to normal by Saturday. A trip to the Ruamahanga this morning found the river quite high but still very clear and an excellent mayfly hatch coming off with numerous fish seen feeding from the top, including two large browns in a secluded backwater.               

The Ruamahanga at Gladstone this morning (Photo: Hamish Carnachan)               

Manawatu

Click here for live weather updates.     

The Manawatu Rivers are set up perfectly again this weekend with extra flow from the rain but the colour and levels dropping back quickly. The mainstem Manawatu was quite tea coloured this morning but had a lovely clear edge that will fish very well for spin anglers. Elsewhere - including the Pohangina, Oroua and Mangatainoka - it's green light for fly angling with stunning conditions right through the weekend and well into next week.                          

The Pohangina at Piripiri this morning (Photo: Horizons)

Rangitikei

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The Rangitikei and tribs have finally got the rain they desperately needed! A good fresh went through the catchment on Tuesday and although the mainstem still has plenty of algal growth that could do with a flush, the extra flows and cooler temperatures it brings will have the trout actively feeding. All in all it's perfect for fishing this part of the region this weekend - with good flows and plenty of bug life about... it doesn't get much better.                                      

Rangitikei River at Mangaweka this morning (Photo: Horizons)

Tip of The Week - Unravelling Access Issues

 We recently received correspondence from an angler confused about access to a section of the Ruamahanga River. 

It appears the neighbouring landowner has erected a 'Private Property' sign which members of the public see before the 'Fish & Game Angler Access' signage. 

A quick look at the Walking Access Mapping System (WAMS) cleared up the issue, with the 'layers' clearly showing a paper road (which the public are entitled to use) alongside the river as well as a hydro parcel. 

WAMS is excellent for finding access to many rivers in our region and across the country.

Spend a little time learning how to use the different tools and layers and you'll discover it is a very powerful angling resource.        

     - 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 an unwelcome 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.