Wellington Weekly Report 10 October 2019
- Wellington
- 10/10/2019
- Wellington
There's plenty of superb fishing and some great conditions coming our way this weekend, just keep a watchful eye on the weather.
A band of rain is forecast to pass across the region tomorrow, however, it isn't expected to come to much and will be followed by lovely weather for fishing over the weekend for most with light winds and sunny skies.
This could be the weekend many have been waiting for to get into the backcountry fisheries which, from our observations, remain largely untouched so far this season.
Bear in mind that the weather forecasts are bit of a lottery at this time of year, so please do check the updated conditions (provided in these reports by weather and river flow links) before you head out on the water.
And before you set off, please take just a minute or two to make a submission on the Government's very important freshwater policy proposals - think about the future of your fishing! The links can be found below.
Other than that, there's nothing more to do but grab your licence online and get into the fantastic fishing action out there.
Pictured above right: Finn Harding fishing the lower Ruamahanga on a stunning spring day (Copyright: Andrew Harding)
Here's the outlook:
Hutt River and tributaries
Click here for live weather updates.
The Hutt mainstem looks stunning this morning, as do the smaller tributaries feeding into it. The rain going through tomorrow morning isn't forecast to come to much so make the most of what should be some pretty good angling conditions over the weekend.
Kapiti Coast
Click here for live weather updates.
The Waikanae, Ohau and Otaki are picture perfect at time of writing. Forecasters are pointing to some heavier rain for the ranges tomorrow morning but this should push through the rivers by the time the weekend rolls around - just check the flows before making your pick on a fishing location. Otherwise looking great for Sunday!
Wairarapa
Click here for live weather updates.
The Ruamahanga and larger tribs are sitting at great fishing flows this morning. They might see a pulse of extra water come through early in the weekend following forecast rain in the ranges, but if they do come up too much it'll only be briefly. And as we've been saying, the smaller tribs are firing anyway and these should be clear both Saturday and Sunday.
Manawatu
Click here for live weather updates.
The Manawatu looks much better this morning than it did this time last week. Running deep green in town at Palmy it should be fishable right throughout its length. The Pohangina, Orua and smaller tribs are still the pick early season, particularly given there's going to be a little rain tomorrow. Some showers are expected on Saturday but they'll clear into light wind, blue sky day - perfect for casting a line!
Rangitikei
Click here for live weather updates.
The Rangitikei is still carrying colour at Mangaweka. It does have a clear edge at time of writing, however, and might be fishable if the rain tomorrow doesn't eventuate. We know there are a heap of anglers waiting to get into the fishery but it is finicky at this time of year because of the large size of the catchment and spring weather. It might be okay this weekend - just make sure you watch the rainfall and river flows closely for updates.
Tip of the Week - Tackling Spring Fishing Conditions
High banks and tree-lined reaches can provide shelter from the wind (Copyright: Hamish Carnachan)
While we've got some of the best freshwater fishing in the country, lower North Islanders don't always have the best weather when it comes to spring and the start of the season.
One of the toughest conditions thrown at us is the constant strong winds which can make for very trying fly casting.
Never fear! There are means and ways to beat the bluster...
- Go up in line weight - Even if you're fishing small water, your big lake rod or Taupo gear can often punch through the wind. It won't be pretty, but it'll get a fly on or in the water.
- Consider the spin option - Short rods and heavy spinning lures are infinitely better when it's blowing a gale, no question.
- Seek shelter - Some stretches of river will be more sheltered than others, making it much easier to cast a fly. Target sections that have high banks or high tress lining the river's edge as these will break up the wind and reduce its velocity.
- Go heavy - If your heart is set on the so-called purist pursuit, think about using heavy nymphs. These will unfurl the leader much better than a lighter pattern or a large wind-resistant terrestrial dry fly.
- Don't cast - Rather than trying to cast into a headwind, put on a stream fly and strip line out downstream i.e. let the current do the work. Streamers work well at this time of year in certain lowland reaches too as there are an abundance of migratory fish around.
Think outside the square, mix things up, and you'll always get a shot at a fish no matter what the conditions throw at you.
By Wellington Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan.
Make A Difference – Submit to Safeguard Freshwater!
New Zealanders want to swim, fish and enjoy freshwater as our parents and grandparents did.
This is your chance to ensure fishing and healthy freshwater for your future, and for future generations.
Submission are now being accepted on the Government’s Action for Healthy Waterways and the Wellington Fish and Game Council is encouraging all licence holders and their friends and families to have their say.
Take this opportunity to make a brief submission now – it’ll take less than 2 minutes – on the Government’s proposal to restore New Zealand’s waterways. Make your voice heard!
Freshwater is important to all Kiwis, so let’s work together for freshwater.
Webcams
Click the map below to go to Horizon's website showing the list of available river webcams.
Notice board
- Anglers wanting to fish the Rangitikei backcountry must have a licence endorsement for this fishery. Click here to find out more. Or purchase your backcountry endorsement.
- Fishing regulations changes for the Wellington Fish & Game Region in 2019-2020 might affect you. If you missed last week's report, you can find out about the changes here.
- Don't get a nasty surprise by Greater Wellington Regional Council's river bulldozing ruining your day on the river. Check out the latest schedule of activity here.
- Flushing flows from the Moawhango Dam which will cause the rivers downstream (including the Rangitikei) to rise will be conducted on the following dates:
10/11 December 2019
28/29 January 2020
18/19 February 2020
17/18 March 2020
Email Wellington Communications and Field Officer Hamish Carnachan if you'd like any fishing or freshwater-related items posted to this noticeboard.
*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.