Fishing News index>June 2007

Late season opportunities

The upper Ngongotaha Stream (above SH 5) closes at the end of June, so time is running out to fish there. Good sized Brown trout continue to be caught, so don’t miss out on wetting a line in this quality fishery. A large number of browns were recorded moving both upstream and downstream through our monitoring trap during the month of May.

Ngongotaha trap runs, 10 days, May 2007

A number of key lake fisheries also close at the end of the month. Of note boat fishing on Lakes Okataina, Rotoiti and Tarawera come to and end until October 1. Shoreline fly fishing is available at specific location on the above lakes (click here) and some waters remain open all year. Click here for the 2007 regulations or contact the Eastern Fish and Game office.

Some of the Rotorua lakes are open throughout the year for boat fishing

Shorelines on the improve – Matt Osborne

There has been a vast improvement seen in the Winter Shoreline Fly fishing on Rotoiti, Okataina and Tarawera as June progresses. The month of May proved hard work for many anglers due to the warm temperatures, high barometer and lack of rain. There are some very nice rainbows averaging 3 to 3.5kg being caught at present from Ruato Bay right through to Hinehopu (the pipe). O’Keefes fishing, which runs a weigh station for trophy trout has reported several 10lb plus rainbows from Rotoiti also.

Remember to take a look at Okataina too, it tends to be less populated then some of the other hotspots but can produce stunning fish to the patient night angler. Local angling club president, Neal Hawes suggests that the Okataina fish are on a par with those of Rotoiti this year.

Remember as always to carry your license at all times (not in your vehicle) when fishing. Our survey staff need to sight them as part of our regular monitoring and compliance program. Your assistance is as greatly appreciated.

 
Shoreline opportunities exist on most of the Rotorua lakes over winter

Ngongotaha hatchery by numbers

We are frequently asked questions by visitors to the hatchery site – and they are almost always surprised by the answers…

Here are a few interesting hatchery facts and figs!

250,000 – The number of ‘green’ ova we expect to take each year

110,000 – The number of trout that roll out of our gate every year

3,800 – The average number of eggs produced by a single female trout

69 – The length in cm of the largest fish used in the breeding program in 2006. It was estimated at 5kg.

18 – The average length in cm of fish as they are liberated.

10.5 – The weight in tons of fish food we use per year.

0 – The number of days per year that the hatchery doesn’t need attending.

The Eastern Region hatchery is open to visitors and is located at 1130 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha

The Ngongotaha hatchery and grounds

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