Auckland / Waikato News > March 2008

Plenty of fish, but no water.

Drought continues
Unfortunately the drought has continued in the Waikato with little rainfall so far in March.  For most rivers in the region, flows during January were at record low levels, and despite some rain in February it looks like flows in March will be even lower.  Although it has been much cooler at nights, daytime temperatures have often been high. Indeed last Sunday was the hottest day ever recorded in March for Hamilton with temperatures reaching 30°C. 

The fishing on local rivers has generally improved, especially in the morning with the cooler water but often the trout have stopped feeding by lunchtime.  The best option is to start early or target one of the spring creeks where water temperatures remain cool throughout the day.  Small dry flies or tiny nymphs are the most productive methods in these conditions. 

As yet there is little sign that the Autumn run of brown trout into headwater streams has started in either the Waihou or Waipa catchments but they shouldn’t be too far away.  Reputedly, a few lake-run fish are turning up in the lower Pokaiwhenua as it is mainly spring-fed. 

Lake Arapuni fishing competition great success
The exceptionally hot weather last weekend didn’t affect catch rates in the annual Arapuni Fishing Competition run by the Te Awamutu Fish and Game Club.  The competition is run by the Club to provide data for the management of the Arapuni fishery, but it has also gained a reputation as a great family weekend.

This year catch rates were excellent with 54 trout entered, with rainbows over 2kg contributing more than half the fish caught. The top prize was taken away by Mark Preston with a 3.5kg rainbow, while the top junior was Finn McLean with a 3.2kg rainbow.  Both fish were from the 2006 hatchery liberations, as were the majority of the large trout caught in the competition. Despite being only 2+ years old, fish from this liberation are averaging 60cm, which is about 5cm larger than we would expect.  This year-class should still put on a lot of condition/weight over the next few months, so potentially we could see some very large 3 year old fish caught this winter.

Thanks again to all the anglers who took part and the competition organisers. 

World Fly Fishing Championship
This competition starts after Easter on the Waihou, Waimakariri and Whanganui Rivers.  The competition on the Waihou will be from Okoroire to Whites Road, on the entire length of the Waimakariri, and from Taumarunui to the Whakapapa confluence on the Whanganui.  It would be greatly appreciated by the contest organisers if you could avoid fishing these waters over Easter and the following week.  The last day of the Championship is Friday 28th March. There are 19 national teams entered plus four individuals from another four countries competing.

Ben Wilson
Fisheries Manager

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