Fishing News index> May 2008

The 07/08 Summer Season Just Gone

The trout fishing season in the Wellington region has been fantastic in the Manawatu with lots of fish in superb condition taken in the upper Manawatu and mid stretches of the Rangitikei.  On the other side of the mountain range to the west, it tended to be dominated by low rainfall and consequently low river levels.  This provided a challenge for anglers but those who persisted were rewarded with good numbers of trout albeit concentrated in deep pools.  Drift dive surveys indicated numbers were within ‘normal’ expectations which bode well for the coming seasons. 

Fishing Close to Home

Stories of anglers getting great fishing opportunity close to urban areas surprised many – with some big fish taken from the Manawatu River within the Palmerston North city boundaries.  The Hutt continues to be a great resource not so much at your back door – but running through your living room.  While angling conditions were excellent in terms of fishing opportunity in the Hutt Valley, numbers landed were slightly less than expected – but those that really put in the time and effort reaped rewards.

Late Autumn – Early Winter – Still good fishing in open waters.

Continuing dry and warm conditions have meant that fishing in the larger waters that are still open has provided some great late autumn fishing opportunities. In rivers closed for spawning, the lack of significant freshes or floods have provided a high level of river bed stability which are good early spawning conditions. 

Issues for 08/09 Fishing Regs

Confirmation of recommendations for the regional Anglers Notice will be a topic of discussion at the next Wellington Fish & Game Council meeting in mid June.

Among the issues currently under discussion in the Wellington region and further abroad include:
Felt-soled boots – a known vector for transfer of didymo vs the value they provide for increased safety;
Scented ‘soft’ baits – all the rage for saltwater fisho’s – how do F&G deal with these in terms of chemical preparations on a ‘bait’

Fish & Game – strong resource advocates

Dealing with resource management issues continues to be a critical role for F&G staff in protecting the trout habitat and wetlands.  Something that is currently affecting all regions (including Wellington) is the ‘rush’ for water in terms of abstraction and competing use.  F&G continue to be amongst the strongest advocates for protecting the ecological and recreational functions of river flows.

In the next few months F&G will be advocating anglers interests in regional planning processes at Horizons (Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council), investigating the extent of fold control works undertaken this summer on several rivers, and many other resource consent processes.

Winter Fishing – Give it a go

Consider going for an early winter fish while the weather conditions are conducive to it.  Check your regulation booklet for which rivers are still open and plan your next trip now while the weather is still good and the rivers running clear. 

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