Fishing Reports index > March 2008

LAKE ANIWHENUA & RANGITAIKI RIVER SYSTEM

We’ve been having some fantastic fishing since the much need rain finally arrived in April. Immediately, there were fresh run fish in all the tributary streams such as the Waihua & Mangamako and the Horomanga & Whirinaki rivers. Each rain from now on will only increase numbers in these waters. Both Browns and Rainbows are hard out spawning. The fish sizing we’ve seen is very pleasing. The larger ones in the 7lb - 9lb bracket are predominantly Browns.

Another area not to overlook at this time of year is the upper Rangitaiki River. It’s a good spawning area and from now on you tend to see the larger fish that you don‘t normally see, especially between Te Awa, Otamatea and Dry Fly creek (otherwise known as Otangimoana stream).

The initial rains last month caused flooding which was what we so desperately needed to give Lake Aniwhenua a good flush out. A lot of the weed has moved now and also the cooler water temperatures help to reduce the amount of weed in the lake. There’s been good fishing here also. There always seems to be plenty of fish. A big percentage never leave the lake and spawning takes place in the shallows. Winter fishing can be very productive in this lake.

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