Fishing Reports index > February 2008

LAKE ANIWHENUA & RANGITAIKI RIVER SYSTEM

Lake Aniwhenua, although weedy at this time of year, has an abundance of fish. Plenty of Browns can be seen finning around and on top of the weed beds. The Damsal hatches are prolific at present so small patterns are working great. Fishing a floating line with nymphs has been the best producer. Other patterns, such as Woolly Buggers and La Giacondas are also working well. The accompanying photo is of Neil Irvine from Tauranga. He fished from the Lodge recently and he took this 7lb Brown (gutted) on a Mrs Simpson. He also landed another Brown of about 5lb and 4 Rainbows between 3 & 4lbs.

Water conditions are lower on the Rangitaiki River as we still haven’t had any rain to speak of. However, there’s still enough volume of water that the fish have stayed in their normal places. The standard, beaded Hare & Copper patterns have been the way to go. Double nymphing is essential. A strike indicator will definitely help get you more fish, providing you remember to strike on the take. Plus, of course, the mending work on this sized river is most important.

The Whirinaki River, at the time of writing, is probably the lowest it’s been for some years. Some anglers have found it hard fishing, but you’ve got to remember, that in these conditions you can’t expect to find the fish in the types of water you would normally fish. We’ve found the fish to be in the riffly, oxygenated water that’s only about 6 inches to one foot deep. They’re hard to spot here in this broken water. A large dry or Cicada with a #14 nymph hanging below on about a one and a half foot trace has been really good.

Cheers,
Joan Ryder
Lake Aniwhenua Lodge
trout.guide@xtra.co.nz
www.troutguides.co.nz

Joan Ryder is an independent fishing guide; her reports are not officially representative of Fish & Game NZ

Back to Reel Life