Wellington Weekly Fishing Report - 19 November 2020

Despite the typically temperamental spring weather pattern that has settled in over the lower North Island the fishing continues to run red hot!

We've had reports from anglers getting great catches in the lower river reaches of the Ruamahanga and its feeder tributaries, the mid Rangitkei has been firing for spin anglers with the higher flows and touch of colour it's been carrying, and the lucky few who have ventured into our backcountry say the trout are in exceptional condition and angling pressure appears to be light. 

There are some nuisance showers forecast for the coming weekend, with a little rain passing through overnight Saturday as well, but this shouldn't interrupt the fine run of fishing that has been on offer so far this season. 

And with forecasters saying marine heatwaves are already being observed around New Zealand, foreshadowing a long hot summer, any bolstered flow now is welcome for when the does dry kicks in.    

The weather shouldn't affect your favourite fishing spot this weekend, however, if you are heading into the backcountry always make sure you are well prepared for any conditions. 

Please note that Greater Wellington Regional Council's river flow information is offline at time of writing, and we've had to predict the current situation, so please ensure you check again before heading out on the water.  

Grab your licence and get into it. Here's the outlook for the weekend:   

Pictured: This healthy young brownie was one of several caught and released by Peter de Boer in the lower Ruamahanga recently (Credit: Peter de Boer).   

Hutt River and tributaries

Click here for live weather updates.

The Hutt is in high flow and dirty at time of writing, suggesting the southern Tararua catchment copped most of he weather as further north the rivers are fishable at time of writing. The Hutt could be on for spinning later in the weekend, otherwise look to the Akatarawa, Whakatikei or Pakarutahi all of which will have cleared faster and should be fishable by Saturday. With 'fresh' nor-west winds forecast, the smaller tribs should provide more shelter too.           

Kapiti Coast

Click here for live weather updates.

The Kapiti Coast rivers - the Waikanae, Otaki and Ohau - are reportedly at fishable flows at time of writing. The larger Otaki River is carrying a little colour but is set up nicely for spinning today and, if it continues to fall, should be clear enough for fly fishing by the time Saturday rolls around.                 

Wairarapa

Click here for live weather updates.

Because we can't access GWRC flow data we've been out on the road this morning and the good news is the rivers are looking great. Despite heavy rain yesterday, the Ruamahanga is in great shape today - high and a hint of colour but very fishable. The Waiohine and Waingawa are slightly up but should be firing by Saturday. Three good browns were spotted during a short walk up the Waipoua in Masterton yesterday - now is the time to fish this urban gem before it drops too much flow.               

Manawatu

Click here for live weather updates.     

This morning we've got a really mixed bag in this part of the region. The Manawatu, while carrying a bit of colour, looks like it would fish very well to a spinner and should continue to clear as the weekend approaches. A tiny fresh is clearing from the Mangatainoka; the Pohangina is crystal clear yet the Oroua is murky after heavy localised rainfall.       

Rangitikei

Click here for live weather updates.

The Rangitikei is clear up at Pukeokahu. At Mangaweka and Vinegar Hill it is carrying a bit of that chalky sandstone sediment but has a clear edge that is fishable at time of writing. With the current forecast it looks like the Rangitikei will continue to drop flow and clear, making for really good fishing conditions this weekend if the showers and Saturday night's brief rainfall doesn't come to too much.                  

Angling Newsletter Out Now! 

Our 2020-21 angling newsletter should be arriving in letterboxes soon. 

If you haven't received one, or want an advanced read, click on the cover shot above to download a digital copy.

It's full of info about the season ahead, new places to try your luck, tips and techniques and other details around what we've been up to in order to enhance your fishery and your angling experience. Enjoy!     

Tip of The Week - Lake Wairarapa Fishing! 

In case you missed last week's report, Wellington Fish & Game has produced a fishing guide to help our anglers explore the fishery at Lake Wairarapa.

For tips and techniques, and our suggested hotspots, download a copy here.

Oxbows at the Taueherenikau delta (Copyright: 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.