Lower North Lowdown - 21 March 2024

Stellar Run of Fishing Weather Continues  

The weather gods continue to smile on Wellington and Taranaki Fish & Game region anglers!

Mainly clear skies and perfect river flows are forecast right across the lower North Island for the coming weekend. 

Staff are making the most of the fine conditions and are out in the field completing the remaining drift dives for the season to help us monitor the trout populations. 

As such, we've got an abridged report this week but the links provided below will take you to live river flows and weather updates to help you plan your autumn angling adventure. 

Normal reports will resume next week, and we'll hopefully have some more intel on how the fisheries are fairing.     

Pictured above: Kieran Bell with a spectacularly marked brownie from a Rangitkei River trib. 

Please also take time to fill out our angling and wellbeing survey if you haven't already!. 

The result of this research could help us with advocating for trout fishing and protecting the species and pursuit into the future - see details below.        

Buy your fishing licence online

Here's the outlook for the weekend:

 

Hutt River and Tributaries

Click the weather icon above for live updates and forecasts for the Hutt Valley.

Live river flow information for the Hutt and Akatarawa can be viewed by clicking the highlighted river links. If you're after more info on the waterways in this part of the region, find out more about 'How To Fish the Hutt River' here, or check out our dedicated access website where you can download maps and access instructions.        

The Hutt River middle reaches are holding good trout numbers. Credit Andrew Harding.

Kapiti Coast

Click the weather icon above for live updates and forecasts for the Kapiti Coast.

Live river flow information for the Waikanae, Ohau and Otaki can be viewed by clicking the highlighted river links. If you're after more info on the waterways in this part of the region, check out our dedicated access website where you can download maps and access instructions. 

Recent drift dives revealed good numbers of large fish in this section of the Otaki River at SH1. Credit: Phil Teal.

 

Wairarapa

Click the weather icon above for live updates and forecasts for the Wairarapa region. 

Live river flow information for the Ruamahanga and major tributaries - the Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau - can be viewed by clicking the highlighted river links. If you're after more info on the waterways in this part of the region, check out our dedicated access website where you can download maps and access instructions.

The Ruamahanga River is fishing fantastically from the lower reaches right through to Masterton. Credit Hamish Carnachan.

 

Manawatu

Click the weather icon above for live updates and forecasts for the Manawatu region.

Live river flow information for the Manawatu and its main tributaries - the Oroua, Pohangina, Mangatainoka and Mangahao - can be viewed by clicking the highlighted river links. If you're after more info on the waterways in this part of the region, check out our dedicated access website where you can download maps and access instructions.

From now on, fish should be starting to move into the Manawatu River tributaries for spawning. Credit: Horizons.

 

Rangitikei

Click the weather icon above for live updates and forecasts for the Rangitikei region.

Live river flow information for the Rangitikei and Hautapu can be viewed by clicking the highlighted river links. If you're after more info on the waterways in this part of the region, check out our dedicated access website where you can download maps and access instructions.         

The middle-upper reaches of the Rangitikei River have been a standout this season. Credit: Hamish Carnachan.

 

Taranaki Ringplain

Click the weather icon above for live updates and forecasts for the Ringplain region.

Aside from the Stony, the Ringplain rivers are low and clear fishing well. Credit: Allen Stancliff.

 

Waimarino

Click the weather icon above for live updates and forecasts for the Waimarino region.

Live river flow information for the Mangawhero River can be viewed by clicking the highlighted river links. If you're after more info on the waterways in this part of the region, check out our dedicated access website where you can download maps and access instructions.   

The Waimarino fishery has benefited from a stable summer and is producing some excellent fishing. Credit: Hamish Carnachan.

 

Angler Wellbeing Survey 

A big thanks to all anglers who have already completed our online angler wellbeing and mental health survey!

For those anglers who have not yet participated, you can still participate, as we will offer it for another two weeks.

Click here to participate in the online survey. 

The wellbeing survey will keep your personal details confidential i.e, your answers will be anonymous. 

All up, the overall time commitment will be about 20 minutes and as an incentive you will have the opportunity to enter the draw to win 1 of 5 $100-vouchers of your choice.

 

Hunting & Fishing Photo Competition - Win $300 To Spend in Store

Josh Olsson sent in this photo of his son, Hunter, with his first perch on his new rod and reel from lake Rotomanu, New Plymouth.

Send in your favourite fishing photos from this season and you could be in to win a $300 voucher to spend in store at Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing.

We won't blow your secret spot, just include the name of the angler(s), photographer's details, and general location in the Wellington-Taranaki Fish & Game region.

Click here to submit your entry.    

You can send us as many fishing photos as you like. By submitting images to enter the competition you acknowledge that Wellington Fish & Game can publish and use the photos for publicity material.

Entries must be in by 5pm Tuesday, April 2, 2024. The winner will be announced in the Lower North Lowdown report on Thursday, April 4, 2024.    

 

GWRC Weekly River Bulldozing Schedule

Don't get an unwelcome surprise by Greater Wellington Regional Council's river bulldozing impacting your day on the river.

For information on the weekly activity schedule, click here to see where and when they'll be working.

 

Notice Board

• Moawhango River Flushing Flow dates for 2024 have been confirmed:
  
  • 30-01 Apr, 21:00-02:00.

If you have any information you'd like to have considered for addition to the notice board, please get in touch with us.

*This report was accurate at time of writing. For your safety please ensure you check the latest weather and river flow information before you head out on the water.