West Is Best This Weekend  

Young angler Angus McArthur with a prized rare catch - a ripper salmon caught at Lake Onoke in Wairarapa recently (Credit: Carolyn McArthur)

An easterly flow directed right at the lower North Island is forecast to bring a bit of rain to Wairarapa while elsewhere conditions should be good for fishing this weekend.

The blocking effect of the Tararua and Ruahine ranges will see generally sunny skies in the west and Central High Country, with just the occasional shower making it across. 

At time of writing the predicted rainfall in the ranges doesn't appear as though it is going to be enough to adversely effect fishing flows for rivers with their catchments in the west. 

However, please check the latest flows before heading out or into the backcountry as the weather is highly changeable at this time of year. 

Meanwhile, the fishing in the Ruamahanga and Manawatu rivers continues to run hot - the stable weather over the past few weekends giving anglers ample opportunity to get into the great numbers of fish that are currently around. 

We are yet to hear many reports from further north in the region so if you've had any luck up that way we'd love to hear how the start of the season has been.

If you're yet to get into the action, now's the time to grab a licence and get on the water! 

Here's the outlook:

Hutt River and tributaries

Click here for live weather updates.

The Hutt, Akatarawa, Pakarutahi and other tribs are all at good flows today. With little appreciable rain - just the odd shower forecast - they should all be fishable Saturday and Sunday. The Hutt has seen some exceptional catches recently including Andrew Harding and Peter deBoer's effort one day during Labour Weekend which resulted in around 50 fish hooked and 30 landed!     

Kapiti Coast

Click here for live weather updates.

The Waikanae, Otaki and Ohau rivers are all carrying a touch of extra flow but are still clear and fishable at time of writing this morning. With more relatively settled weather forecast over Saturday and Sunday, there shouldn't be anything getting in the way of anglers having a good outing this weekend before the rain settles in early next week.         

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

Wairarapa

Click here for live weather updates.

The Ruamahanga is low and clear this morning. And with the unnotified flood protection works by Greater Wellington Regional Council at Gladstone now complete, anglers should make the most of the good conditions over the next 36 hours before the rain arrivers. The major tributaries - Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau - are at good fishable flows but will likely come up with impending rain. It could be a weekend for tying flies or perhaps a damp outing at Kourarau Dam. 

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

Manawatu

Click here for live weather updates.     

All the rivers of the Manawatu catchment are looking in great shape this morning, with Manawatu River actually quite low for this time of year. The Pohangina, Orua and other smaller tributaries are carrying spring flows but are clear and fishable. Watch the rain on the eastern side of the ranges as this could affect the mainstem Manawatu  as well as the Mangatainoka this weekend - check the flows before heading to these rivers but there should be plenty of fall back options on the western side.  

The Manawatu River at Teachers College this morning (Credit: Horizons)

Rangitikei

Click here for live weather updates.

The Rangitikei is looking lovely up at Pukeokahu this morning but must be receiving some rainfall flow from one of the tribs because it is colouring up and rising quickly at Mangaweka. The Hautapu is at good fishable flow which suggests the extra water is hitting the Rangitikei from the Moawhango or, more likely, the Kawhatau. Look to fish the Rangitkei in the reaches around Springvale or Mangohane, but check the flows before heading out.                    

The Rangitikei River at Pukeokahu this morning (Credit: Horizons)

Ultimate Armchair Angling!  

The latest season of the Pure Fly series is online.  

Season 4, episode 7, has the team in search of large rainbows in small headwater streams.      

Click the screen shot below to check it out. 

Top Tip - Bait Fishing Basics  

Bait fishing is a very effective method for catching trout and perch, and a great way to introduce novice and junior anglers to the thrill of freshwater fishing. 

We have plenty of water in the Wellington Fish & Game region where bait fishing is permitted - check the local regulations to see what baits are allowed and where to go.  

Click the screen shot above for some of Fish & Game's top tips for bait angling.       

Webcams

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

Notice board  

• For A Great Cause - Check out this charity auction raising money for Reel Recovery NZ, for men and women who have had cancer. 
  
  
• Review Update - Work on implementing the recommendations outlined in the review of Fish & Game continues. The Review Implementation Steering Group has an update for interested licence holders here. 
  
  

• Capital Trout Centre Open - The Centre is open under level 2 for family groups. Anyone interested should contact Strato Cotsilinis on (04)386-3740 for further details and bookings.  

• River Bulldozing - 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.