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Fishing News index> January 2009
Wellington Fish and Game – Reel Life January 2009
The beginning of 2009 has produced some outstanding opportunities for trout anglers across the whole region. The weather patterns are continuously improving and the quality of fishing is very near its best with many beautiful still fine nights providing great ambient conditions. Carrying on from December last year, the rivers are now constantly at a level where wading is comfortable in most areas, the water is gin clear and there is an abundant food supply about.
In the Palmerston North area the Manawatu River has continued its outstanding form and anglers have been rewarded with trout of reasonable size and great condition. Water levels aren’t really an issue for the Manawatu River and trout move up and downstream at will, which allows the trout to position themselves across the whole length of the river which means you do not have to travel far for success. One thing to keep an eye on is the increasing river water temperatures, with both brown and rainbow searching for those cooler water sanctuaries that tributaries and overhanging vegetation provide.
A great conditioned fish from the Manawatu. Photo M Kitchen
The Pohangina and Orua rivers have kept a reasonably low profile but the upper reaches hold some good trout as well as areas near their confluences with the Manawatu River.
Further north, the Hautapu and Rangitikei Rivers are offering some fantastic fishing experiences where in both rivers the trout are in good condition and large in size and reasonable numbers. The Rangitikei River is living up to its reputation as the ‘jewel of the crown’ for the Wellington region with fish being caught from all sections that are of 4-8lbs.
On the Eastern side from Mangatainoka down to Featherston the rivers are following similar trends. The Mangahao, Makakahi, and Ruamahanga Rivers are all fishing well, however slightly more effort needs to be applied when fishing the Mangatainoka River compared to previous seasons.
The upper sections of the Waiohine and Waingawa Rivers are in their prime. Several anglers have reaped the benefits, and landed some large trout from some very attractive pools. The surroundings of the headwaters are also an attraction to get in do some fishing.
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.
Across to Wellington and the Kapiti Coast areas, the fishing has been good also. The Wainuiomata River continues to hold trout of good size and offers some great evening fishing experiences. The quiet nature of this river, and the fact that it is not heavily exposed to the public, results in some uninterrupted outings with fishing of good quality. The Hutt River and tributaries are all in good health, and fishing is of a reasonable quality. Now would be a good time to try intercepting some of the big sea run trout as they enter from the Wellington harbour into the Hutt River, popular areas are from the Melling bridge downstream fishing with a large toby or rapala lure.
The three rivers along the Kapiti Coast have produced some great fishing. The Ohau, Waikanae and Otaki Rivers are all holding good numbers of trout and offer some remote opportunities in their head waters for some ‘backcountry type’ experiences. The headwaters extended into the Tararua ranges where there are deep clear pools often with several trout in each pool. These locations make for a great days fishing with several areas to stop and enjoy a picnic lunch with the family. There has been regular rainfall events over the past month but the rivers clear up very quickly and the trout are actively feeding soon after.
Stalking a trout on the Hutt River
The only negative aspect that comes with all the sunshine and high temperatures is the formation of algae and toxins in some rivers. However, 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.
While the conditions are as they are, we encourage anglers to ‘make hay while the sun shines’. Make an effort to catch the evening rise, or simply try your luck when passing through a town where a river is handy. The fishing doesn’t get much better than this so get your rods out and get your share of the action!
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