Fishing News index > March 2007

TARANAKI TROUT FISHING – March 2007

After seven weeks of low flows, north and central Taranaki ringplain streams had a moderate fresh in recent days that cleared out the accumulated streambed algal growth, reduced water temperatures and set things up nicely for the last month of the season. Like most waters, the Manganui River and its tributaries are looking great at present and are well worth a visit. South Taranaki streams had only a minor fresh, but they had already been fishing well during the low flows and should continue to do so. Anglers have had plenty of success on the Waingongoro River in March, with good conditioned rainbows around 1.7kg and some nice browns as well. The Kaupokonui has also produced some good fish, both brown and rainbow. Small #14-16 hare and copper, halfback, sandy-cased or green caddis nymphs will be worth a try. There is still an abundance of passion-vine hopper about and a #14-16 coch-y-bondhu or similar should also bring success.

The Manganuioteao and Mangawhero Rivers in the Raetihi-Ohakune area also had a good fresh in recent days and like ringplain streams they have dropped back quickly, producing very clear water and great conditions for fly fishing. Anglers are reporting loads of “pocket-rockets” in the Manganuioteao, but not as many large trout as usual. If you are going to take fish for the table, consider putting the large ones back and taking a couple of the smaller fish, which are usually in fantastic condition and taste great. Landowners along the Manganuioteao are still reporting problems with about 10% of anglers who are thoughtless or just downright rude. One farmer recently moved a mob 2,000 sheep down a narrow section of Ohura Road towards Ruatiti Domain, only to find a vehicle parked right in front of the gate to the paddock they were going into. The angler was extremely lucky the farmer didn’t catch up with him! Please obtain permission before crossing farmland to get to the Manganuioteao, don’t park in front of gates and leave you dog at home!

Didymo
Anglers are reminded of the importance of checking, cleaning and drying any clothing, equipment, fishing gear etc. before moving between waterways to help prevent the spread of didymo. The only safe option is to adopt the view that the water you are currently in has didymo, but the next one you will visit does not. Free 1L didymo spray bottles and information packs (including a free pen and car sticker) are available from Taranaki ringplain licence agents.

Allen Stancliff
Fish and Game Officer