Wellington Weekly Fishing Report - 29 October 2020

A little bit of rain on Saturday brings a change from what's been a stellar run of weather recently, however it won't slow the hot fishing action we've had over the last few weeks. 

There have been plenty of anglers out and about throughout the region, numbers bolstered by the extra day off last weekend and also some sensational sunny and warm conditions.

Rangers report that anglers encountered have also been happy with the catch rate and condition of the trout taken. This bodes well for the season as it progresses!     

At time of writing there isn't much rain in the forecast, so at this stage it shouldn't affect rivers adversely. Anglers might just need to throw a waterproof jacket in the pack.

Conditions are set to improve on Sunday with the rain and wind retiring, replaced by settled conditions.  

Remember that even if your favourite river does see a little fresh go through, conditions should at the very least be okay for spinning or throwing stream flies which are highly effective when there is a hint of colour in the water (see our 'Tip of the Week' below).    

Grab your licence and get out on the water this weekend! 

Pictured: Hamish Carnachan with an early-season small stream brown (Copyright: Hamish Carnachan)  

Hutt River and tributaries

Click here for live weather updates.

The Hutt is dropping the rain it received last night and is at fishable flow at time of writing. More rain is forecast tonight and then again Saturday but the front looks pretty weak at this point in time. Check the flows before you hit the water on Saturday and if the mainstem is too big the Akatarawa, Whakatikei and Pakarutahi will return to fishable flows faster.         

Kapiti Coast

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The main Kapiti Coast rivers - the Waikanae, Otaki and Ohau - have barely registered the rain that fell in the Tararuas last night. Keep an eye on flows and the latest forecast before heading out Saturday though as a little rain is expected. If flows come up too much then don't discount the lower river reaches where plenty of trout are currently chasing what has been a prolific whitebait run on the coast.            

Wairarapa

Click here for live weather updates.

A good pulse of flow went through the Ruamahanga yesterday but it is rapidly dropping and currently at a fishable flow. All the tribs, including the  Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau, are also looking good this morning. If the rain affects play on Saturday we can happily report the small spawning streams are still holding a few good fish (like the one pictured above) - and these waterways often remain fishable if the larger rivers are coloured up.         

Manawatu

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The Manawatu is running a little high but is fishable higher up in the catchment. The Mangatainoka, Pohangina and Oroua are all also carrying extra flow and a little colour but have a clear edge and will probably fish very well to spinning in their current state. Remember the fish pen is still in place at Hokowhitu Lagoon and there are plenty of hungry trout waiting to be caught - licenced anglers are welcome to fish for them.       

Rangitikei

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Unless you get right up near Piripiri, the Rangitikei is running too high and dirty and will take some time to clear, particularly with more rain due today and Saturday. If you're looking for a place to fish over the weekend the smaller feeder streams are going to be the best bet while post-spawning trout are still holding.            

Hutt and Tararua Showcase

Click the screenshot above to open the video.

Pure Fly TV last night showcased the Hutt River fishery, highlighting what a sensational resource Wellington anglers have right on their doorstep.

A local backcountry river fishery, in the Tararua Range, also featured. 

With many Kiwis driving around exploring and holidaying in their own country because of Covid-related travel restrictions, this is a great promotion and could well encourage visitors to have a go in the Hutt.

If you're from out of town and have perhaps had your interest piqued in fishing the Hutt River, give us a buzz (06-359-0409) and we'll point you in the right direction.

We've also got a heap of resources dedicated towards helping anglers succeed on the Hutt, including a 'How to Fish the Hutt' guide and angler access information.          

Tip Of The Week - Cover Your Bases

Because of the unsettled nature of spring weather, similar to conditions we have this weekend, one of my top tips for early-season angling is to always cover your bases by carrying both a fly rod and a spinning rod (where spin fishing is permitted).

Spin fishing is a great way to combat high and dirty river flow (Copyright: Andrew Harding) 

Despite the forecasts, often you just never know how much rain is really going to fall. And with soil moisture levels high at this time of year, even a little rain can mean soil becomes sodden faster than in it does in summer and subsequently runs off quicker resulting in dirty river flow. 

When confronted with such conditions that are less than optimal for fly angling, having a spin fishing set-up on hand can turn a potentially hopeless outing into an excellent one.

A spinning set up is super easy to carry, particularly a four-piece rod, and strapped to the side of your day-bag you hardly know it's there. But it means when rivers come up, or you arrive streamside and the water is higher and dirtier than expected, you are still in the game. 

And when rivers are carrying a bit of colour often spin fishing gives you an excellent chance at catching fish - with reduced visibility, a flash or silhouette of a lure can provoke a strike you might not otherwise get in clear water.         

If you'd like to learn more about spinning set ups and different techniques, you'll find heaps of handy information here. 

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.