Fishing News index> February 2008

EXCEPTIONAL FISHING -  MANAWATU AND RANGITIKEI RIVERS

Hutt River – the Hutt River has had excellent fishing opportunities although catch rate hasn’t been flash right through January.  Low flows and warm water temperatures have made fishing challenging but this has been compensated with many beautiful still fine nights providing great ambient conditions. The publicity around the cyanobacteria toxic algae growths should be noted but are mainly an issue for dogs and those that drink copious amounts or eat the slimy algal material.  Human contact can cause skin irritation, - but only when toxins are being produced.

Wairarapa – the Ruamahanga has been patchy with fish found mainly in pools during low flow.  This makes the fish particularly wary and quite hard to locate.  Areas where there are still willows hanging over the pools are the best places to look.  There is a late season hope in that the cicada hatch will be upon us in late February/early March and this will provide excellent opportunities using cicada flies.

Other rivers in the Wairarapa have been under very low summer low flow conditions but drift dive surveys have indicated numbers within the normal expectation.  The Eastern Tararua streams have been producing good fish in the headwaters using small dries – mayfly hatches have been prolific as the temperatures warmed up in mid summer.  The lower stretches have been typically difficult fishing with the back waters a test for anglers using very small nymph patterns getting most success.

Manawatu River – has been fishing exceptionally well with nymphs, and latterly drys,  even in the most popular access points.  High numbers of fish of relatively large size have been taken and are providing great fishing for the experienced and novice angler alike. 

Rangitikei River – “fantastic fishing” has been the catch cry from anglers in the mid Rangitikei River.  High numbers of fish, albeit on the small side, concentrated in the runs, have given most anglers great opportunity on both fly and spinning gear.

Kapiti Coast Rivers -  The Waikanae, Ohau, and Otaki rivers have also had low flows since the early January deluge.  This has resulted in great access and consistent fishing  downstream of State Highway 1 with good evening rises in early February.  Moderate trout numbers lend themselves for sighted fishing opportunities.

Contact the Wellington Fish & Game office (06) 359 0409 for our excellent access pamphlets on these rivers.

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