Reel Life March 2021

Arapuni fishing contest a huge success

The annual Lake Arapuni Fishing Competition was a huge success for participants and Fish & Game.

The Te Awamutu Fish & Game Association put on their largest competition in the 27 years the event has been running with several fish near or above the 3kg mark.

Above Right: Hunter Brunt with a great Arapuni rainbow.

The family-friendly event attracted anglers of all ages from all over the region to chase large rainbows and browns in Lake Arapuni.

There were not many disappointed families with plenty of fish, great camping, and lots of prizes.

Fish & Game were the big winners compiling heaps of valuable fish data.

Anglers turned in 11 tagged fish from our first ever sterile fish release.

The fish were released in October of 2020 130 mm and some are already over 1 kg.

The sterile fish now growing in Lake Arapuni are the first of their kind to be tested by Fish & Game.

These fish may mark a big change in how Fish & Game stocks lakes as sterile fish can get huge in ideal conditions.

But to make sure the sterile fish are beneficial to licence holders we need your help.

If you are fishing Lake Arapuni and get a tagged fish the tag number, length, and weight of the fish is very important to determine if our sterile fish program is a success or a flop.

If you catch a tagged fish phone 07 849 1666 or send the details to aucklandwaikato@fishandgame.org.nz.

Low water and lots of insects have put fish in good condition

Local rivers have been fishing well with lots of Cicadas still sounding off in local rivers.

Do not waste your last couple of months of the season as fishing has been good.

Many of our streams are still low and clear with the Mangatutu fishing well above average despite having poor visibility.

We are looking for female fly anglers

Fish & Game staff are looking for female ambassadors to help us break down barriers for women who want to get into fly fishing.

If you know of a female fly angler that would make a good ambassador or is willing to share her experience getting into fly fishing please contact Dr Adam Daniel 022-0309033 or adaniel@fishandgame.org.nz.

Tight lines.

Dr Adam Daniel, Auckland Waikato Fish & Game.