Reel Life October 2026 - Welington

Season Off To A Great Start!

As spring and warmer weather arrives, anglers across the Wellington Fish & Game region have plenty of reasons to dust off their rods, check their tackle boxes and head for the water.

Image above: Ben Ellison with a lovely Wellington region rainbow taken on a dry fly last week.

From the rivers and streams flowing off the Tararua and Ruahine ranges to the region’s lakes and smaller backcountry fisheries, there has already been some great fishing with many anglers commenting on the number and excellent condition of trout that are around.

Spring is an exciting time to be on the water. Snowmelt and rainfall can influence river levels and clarity, creating changing conditions that reward anglers who are prepared to adapt.

Following regular snowfall events in the ranges last winter, including a recent dump in mid-October, environmental conditions have been positive for the region’s fisheries and already the trout are taken dry flies which is very early.

Now that the warmer weather and longer days have arrived, there are more opportunities to get outdoors. Whether you prefer casting a fly to a rising brown trout in the backcountry, or drifting a nymph through a promising run or spinning a lure in a local river, the new season has plenty on offer.

For those new to freshwater fishing, getting started need not be complicated or expensive. Our new Knowledge Hub is a one-stop shop to help you make the most of the season ahead.

If you haven’t been out yet this season, check the relevant fishing regulations, licence requirements and any water-specific rules.

If you sign up for weekly fishing report –  the lower North Lowdown – you can get weekly updates on river conditions and weather forecasts, new and events in the region.

We’ve got our photo competition running again this season too with some great prizes up for grabs. Details on how to enter in the Lower North Lowdown.