Fishing News index>October 2007

Weather kind to anglers as season gets underway
by Steve Smith

Predictions of high winds were enough to keep some anglers from venturing out on the lakes when the trout fishing season commenced on Monday.  Senior Fish & Game Officer Rob Pitkethley said “the forecast was terrible which clearly had an influence on the number of anglers who went fishing.  While the lakes, and Tarawera in particular, were busy there were noticeably fewer anglers than last year which was a shame as the conditions were generally very good”.

Fish and Game staff and volunteers from the University of Waikato were on hand to weigh and measure fish

He added that the conditions were ideal for fishing and the fishing was better than it had been for several seasons.  “In most seasons a lot of the smaller boats get blown off the lakes by mid morning but the weather allowed most anglers to make a day of it.  The wind when it did eventuate was not sufficient to send people home.” Mr Pitkethley said that almost all boats had caught fish and everyone spoken too enjoyed a great day on the lake. 

Fish and Game New Zealand staff surveyed angler catches on Lakes Tarawera, Okataina, and Rotoiti on Friday.  A total of 739 anglers were interviewed during the day.  “The most encouraging aspect of the day was the excellent fish being caught on Lake 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”.

Fish & Game reported that anglers had caught some exceptional fish.  “The biggest fish of the day was a 5.6 kg brown trout caught at the Ohau Channel, while two rainbow trout larger than 4.0 kg were also caught from the Channel and one of just under that mark from Lake Rotoiti.  Mr Pitkethley noted that the Ohau Channel had lived up to its reputation for giving up the biggest fish of the day.  “It was great to again see the biggest fish come from the channel, particularly as it is the last opening before the diversion wall is completed.  We have our fingers crossed the wall when completed doesn’t impact on the amazing fishery that occurs in the channel.”

Good weather made for a great day, Lake Tarawera

Mr Pitkthley 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.”

Back to Reel Life