Great Start To The Season!

A superbly conditioned Wairarapa brown trout to get local angler Ben Ellison off to a great start for the season (Credit: Ben Ellison)

Wairarapa anglers had the pick of the weather for the start of the season last weekend with some stunning trout caught too. 

Elsewhere there were mixed accounts, but generally reports of good numbers of fish for those who managed to pick the right locations such as the smaller water that wasn't affected by higher flows. 

The great news is that the conditions for the weekend ahead don't look too bad at all!

A small rain band is sitting over the region today, however, it is forecast to push off early tomorrow making for a largely fine Saturday and Sunday and giving the rivers a chance to clear over the ensuing 24 hours.  

It's not often we get two good weekends back-to-back at the start of the season so be sure to get your Whole Season Licence now and head out to enjoy the super start we've had.    

Here's the outlook:   

Hutt River and tributaries 

Click here for live weather updates.

The Hutt is looking lovely this morning with hint of colour and good flow. This means the main tributaries are at good fishable flows and early season should see the likes of the Akatarawa, Whakatikei, Mangaroa and Pakarutahi holding reasonable numbers of post-spawning fish while water levels are higher.    

The Hutt River at Totara Park this morning (Credit: Steve Doughty)

Kapiti Coast 

Click here for live weather updates.

The Otaki is running with a bit of colour this morning but with the remaining rain passing through in the next 12 hours it should be in good shape by the weekend. If you're keen to get out today, you couldn't beat the current conditions for a spot of spin fishing, particularly in the lower reaches where reports suggest sea-run trout and kahawai and starting to chase whitebait. The Ohau and Waikanae are just creeping up a little but are expected to be good to go by the weekend.             

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

Wairarapa 

Click here for live weather updates.

The Ruamahanga is the lowest it has been in almost a month and should be firing. The mouth at Lake Onoke has been blocked for several days but an attempt was being made at opening it today. If successful, look for a pulse of whitebait over the weekend and some good trout and kahawai fishing in the lower reaches! The larger tributaries, such as the Waiohine (which was beautiful this morning), the Waingawa and Tauherenikau are all fishable at time of writing. The Huangarua, Waipoua and Kopuaranga are all worth a look this early in the season too.                       

Middle reaches of the Mangatarere Stream this morning (Credit: Hamish Carnachan) 

Manawatu 

Click here for live weather updates.     

The Manawatu River is high and carrying colour but falling when visited this morning. The smaller tributaries are probably the best bet early season anyway, and the likes of the the Pohangina and Oroua are looking good. The Mangatainoka had a spike early in the week but is at fishable flow and continuing to fall so should see fish back on the bite anytime from now.                                 

The Manawatu River at Teachers College this morning (Photo: Matt Kavermann)

Rangitikei 

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The Rangitikei River looked very enticing at Mangaweka this morning - clean and clear with good flow. There is some rain lingering in the high country which could increase the flow, so check the latest levels before heading out this weekend. With the forecast as it stands today, the Kawhatau, Hautapu and other feeder rivers and streams should be good for Saturday and Sunday.                                            

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

Weather On The Go

If you haven't had a chance to check out the 'Windy' weather app or website, then you need to add this to your fishing tool box!

Far beyond just forecasting wind, this app has an amazing level of detailed weather info to help you plan a quick outing to your local stream or river, to a multi-day backcountry expedition.

The tutorial we've linked to below (click the screen shot to view) isn't from New Zealand but it gives you a good run-down on some of the basic functions of the app.  

Whet Your Appetite!  

The latest season of the acclaimed Pure Fly TV series is online.  

In season 4, episode 2, the team head to neighbouring Hawke's Bay and fish rivers just across the border and within easy reach of many Wellington Fish & Game anglers.  

Click the screen shot below to check it out. 

Webcams

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

Notice board  

• FAMILY FISHING WEEKEND - Looking for something fun and free to do with the kids this school holidays? The team at Wellington Fish & Game and the Manawatu Freshwater Anglers Club are running the annual Manawatu Family Fishing weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11. 

A large number of trout will be released into Hokowhitu Lagoon, Palmerston North, so the chances of success are very high. There are tagged trout being released and prizes if you catch one of them. Don't miss this great family opportunity! You will need a ticket and your own fishing gear as well as a fishing licence (free for under 12s). You can get all these at Manawatu Hunting & Fishing, 35 Grey St, Palmerston North, including details about how the day will run.

This is a public event so please follow mask-wearing and physical distancing guidelines.

Family Fishing Event at Palmerston North 

• 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.