Reel Life October 2026 - Taranaki

Taranaki Ringplain

All ringplain streams and rivers had a minor to moderate fresh through them on 15^th October, which was much needed and has set them up well for angling over the next few weeks. The southerly blow following the front resulted in a good dump of snow on Taranaki Maunga, which has temporarily lowered water temperatures and helped support stream base-flows.

All this means that with fine weather forecast for Labour Weekend it’s a great time to get out for a fish. Some lovely, well-conditioned trout have been caught so far this season, including this one photographed by Nik Hannam.

Image above: A well-conditioned ringplain brown trout caught this season by Nik Hannam

Good-sized Hāwera hatchery rainbow trout have recently been released into Lake Mangamahoe (September 29) and into the lower Patea River below Patea Dam (October 13). The lower Patea release is part of year three of five years of releases funded by the power scheme owner, Contact Energy.

Releases of rainbow trout will also be made in November and early December into the Scout Den pool in the Patea River in Stratford’s King Edward Park. There will be no organised kids fishing day this year, so keep an eye of Taranaki Fish & Game’s Facebook page for the release dates https://www.facebook.com/TaranakiFishGame/

There will also be the usual releases into the Hangatahua (Stony) River at Okato in November. We’ve been fortunate that with no large floods, the Hangatahua has remained stable all year and is in great condition for fishing. Please note that there is a zero bag limit for brown trout in the Hangatahua (Stony) River, as there are still only a few browns present. If you do catch one, we’d appreciate a photo to confirm whether it is a hatchery fish or wild.

To check on river flows before you head out, go to

https://www.trc.govt.nz/environment/maps-and-data/regional-overview?measureID=9

Waimarino

It’s been a similar story for the Waimarino, with a fresh on 15^th October and flows falling back towards their base flow. Likewise, a dump of snow on Mt. Ruapehu has cooled everything down, but the weather is looking great for Labour Weekend.

Manganuioteao River from Myer’s Bridge.

The Manganuioteao River and the Mangawhero River between Tongariro National Park and Raetihi will be areas well worth a visit.

For information on rivers flows and rainfall in the Waimarino, go to https://envirodata.horizons.govt.nz/

Access to Lake Namumanu near Hunterville is currently closed for the logging of the surrounding Ngāruru Forest by Ernslaw One Ltd.

Information of Taranaki trout and perch fisheres is available here.

There have been no changes to the Taranaki angling regulations for the 2026-27 season. A free Taranaki regulation guide is available from licence agents or download here.