Fishing News index>October 2007

Conditions to benefit season …

After a windy start to the season, long-term conditions appear set to calm and have a beneficial effect on the Rotorua lakes fishery. The mild winter has certainly aided growth in the lakes according to senior fisheries officer Rob Pitkethley, “we interviewed over 700 anglers on October 1st and the fish were great, especially those from Tarawera.  After one or two poor years the Tarawera fishery is clearly experiencing an upturn.  Both the size of fish and angler catch rates look to be the best they have been for several years”. Excellent fish were also caught from the Ohau channel including a superb 5.6kg brown and several rainbows of over 4kg. As the early season shapes up the signs looks good. Mr Pitkethley reported that the mild winter and early appearance of spring has clearly had a positive effect on fish growth and condition. “The fishing season has started well and with weather predictions suggesting the remainder of spring is likely to be warmer than usual, we can expect some excellent fish to be taken prior to Christmas.” Lake Rotorua has been a location of note with a good number of trolled rainbows being taken off the Ohau and Pins. Additionally the stream mouths at Ngongotaha and Hamurana are producing good fish when wind conditions allow.

Lake Okaro and walkway

The regions small lakes also feature on the radar of enthusiastic anglers at this time of year too. Okaro, situated south east of Rotorua has recently been advantaged with a new walking track providing access to the full shoreline. This gem of a lake which is an ideal location for small boat fishing such as dinghies and kayaks now provides great shore based opportunities for spin and fly fishers. Expect fish here to be clean and well conditioned and in the 1 to 2kg range. Best lures are smelt patterns fished near weed beds and drop-offs.

The Rangitaiki and Whirinaki rivers have also got off to a good start. Despite windy conditions and typical spring weather anglers are reporting good fish numbers in the 1.2 - 1.5kg range taken on both nymphs and dries. Remember access through the forest required a permit, available from Independent Securities, tel Rotorua 07 347 8880

Eastern Fish and Game staff have also been out reminding anglers about the on-going threat to our fisheries from didymo. Now well established in a number of South Island lakes, this algae, once thought to be a concern only to rivers is a potential threat to local lakes. Whichever area you fish the message remains the same – Check, Clean and Dry.

For more information on didymo view this web site: http://www.biosecurity.govt.nz/

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