Fishing News index> December 2007

Promising opening
A number of key streams opened on the 1st of December with offering promising results for the summer season ahead. Rotorua’s Ngongotaha was the centre of attention for Bay of Plenty anglers with dozens of fly fishers taking the opportunity to fish this popular location since it closed in June. Good catches of mostly rainbow trout in the 1.5 to 2.5kg range were made throughout the opening weekend despite low and clear river conditions. The eagerly anticipated Ngongotaha Browns are yet to make a major appearance although the presence of building rain during mid December will undoubtedly spur on runs of these impressive fish. Trap monitoring of the Ngongotaha has confirms that big things are still to happen. The ten days trapped during November produced 25 rainbows and 4 browns with average respective weights of 1.88 and 3.45 kilograms. Initial results from December trapping suggest that the brown trout may be beginning to ascend the Rotorua lake tributary streams in search of cooler conditions and food pre spawning. 

Waikaremoana’s Hopuruahine stream, which also opened at the beginning of December, provided excellent sport with anglers reporting catches of both brown and rainbows on nymphs and dry flies. The Hopuruahine and Mokau streams which both run to Waikaremoana’s Northern shore are worthy locations when visiting the national park.

 Ngongotaha trout are easily spotted in clear, shallow water during summer.

Didymo still a major concern
Staff from Eastern Fish and Game were out in force on December 1st when small streams in the district opened for angling. Based at high use access locations, officers spoke with anglers and demonstrated techniques for decontaminating potentially didymo effected equipment. “Improving knowledge and reinforcing the message about didymo, plus getting users to take control is the key here” said officer Mark Sherburn. “We are rapt with the response, most people are fully aware of the dangers and the need to be vigilant and many have totally decontaminated their equipment”
Didymo has not been detected in the North island. 

 Check, clean, dry!

 
Come fish the Rotorua lakes!
It seems like everyone is heading to the Rotorua lakes to catch trout! Fortunately we’ve plenty of water (and trout) and there’s a lake to suit every style and need. The holiday period in particular is popular with boaties and shore anglers alike. Lakes Tarawera and Okataina offer deeper, cooler waters and scenery of outstanding value, Rotoiti and Rotorua easy access and the chance of a really big trout, Rotoma, Rotoehu, Okareka and Rerewhakaaitu are all great places to visit with a small boat, kayak or for shore-based fishing.

Trolling and jigging from boats is the most popular methods but fly fishing and spinning is also available at key location throughout the region. The lakes specifically provide world class rainbow trout, caught at an average rate of 1 for every 4 hours of angling effort and frequently above 2kg in weight. Large brown trout are found in tow of the lakes.
Visitors to the region are well advised to seek local knowledge from tackle stores or fishing guides to obtain the most up-to-date information.
 

Smith finishes with Eastern
Long serving regional manager Steve Smith finished with Eastern Fish and Game region in November after many years of dedicated service. Smith began in 1984 with the Wellington and Taranaki regions before joining Eastern as regional manger. Recognised for his outstanding work both regionally and at national level, he continues to work privately for the interests of anglers and hunters. 

 Steve Smith 

Access News
Rangitaiki river access tracks in the Kaingaroa were groomed during November to enable easier walking and vehicle tracks to key upper river fishing locations.

Access at Rabbit bridge has now been improved greatly with tree removal and weed spraying work on the road. It will now be much easier now to get a small craft into lower Lake Aniwhenua as a result.
Anglers wishing to visit the Kaingaroa forest to fish the Rangitaiki system should  be mindful that the fire risk within the forests is currently extremely high. Permits to enter the forest are being issued on a weekly basis due to the present conditions. Permits available from Independent Securities Consultants Limited (66 Tarewa Rd Rotorua – 07 347 8880)

 Watch for these distinctive access signs

Planting project continues
Riparian planting on the Ngongotaha and Waiteti streams by Progress Ngongotaha continues to make substantial headway. Erosion control at stream margins, ease of access for users and habitat for wildlife and trout has now been improved on many kilometres of local water thanks to volunteers from this group. After exhaustive clearing of impenetrable blackberry, selections of suitable native plants are being used to support areas unstable banks. This long term community project has already seen much of the Ngongotaha rejuvenated and enhanced for the benefit of a wide range of users. Progress Ngongotaha were supported by members of Rotorua anglers association and Eastern Fish & Game. 

Planting on the lower reaches of the Ngongotaha stream

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