Fish & Game Eastern Region Report

Predictions of high winds were enough to keep some anglers from venturing out on the lakes when the trout fishing season commenced on Monday. Senior Fish & Game Officer Rob Pitkethley said “the forecast was terrible which clearly had an influence on the number of anglers who went fishing. While the lakes, and Tarawera in particular, were busy there were noticeably fewer anglers than last year which was a shame as the conditions were generally very good”.

He added that the conditions were ideal for fishing and the fishing was better than it had been for several seasons. “In most seasons a lot of the smaller boats get blown off the lakes by mid morning but the weather allowed most anglers to make a day of it. The wind when it did eventuate was not sufficient to send people home.” Mr Pitkethley said that almost all boats had caught fish and everyone spoken too enjoyed a great day on the lake.

Fish and Game New Zealand staff surveyed angler catches on Lakes Tarawera, Okataina, and Rotoiti on Friday. A total of 739 anglers were interviewed during the day. “The most encouraging aspect of the day was the excellent fish being caught on Lake Tarawera. After one or two poor years the Tarawera fishery is clearly experiencing an upturn. Both the size of fish and angler catch rates look to be the best they have been for several years”.

Fish & Game reported that anglers had caught some exceptional fish. “The biggest fish of the day was a 5.6 kg brown trout caught at the Ohau Channel, while two rainbow trout larger than 4.0 kg were also caught from the Channel and one of just under that mark from Lake Rotoiti. Mr Pitkethley noted that the Ohau Channel had lived up to its reputation for giving up the biggest fish of the day. “It was great to again see the biggest fish come from the channel, particularly as it is the last opening before the diversion wall is completed. We have our fingers crossed the wall when completed doesn’t impact on the amazing fishery that occurs in the channel.”

Mr Pitkethley reported that the mild winter and early appearance of spring has clearly had a positive effect on fish growth and condition. “The fishing season has started well and with weather predictions suggesting the remainder of spring is likely to be warmer than usual we can expect some excellent fish to be taken prior to Christmas.”

17 August 2007

Prospects of a mild spring are great news for anglers eagerly awaiting the 1 October start to the new trout fishing season. Senior Fish & Game Officer, Rob Pitkethley said “the start to last season was cold and windy which made things tough both for trout and anglers. As a consequence the season got of to a slow start and the fish never really recovered”. He added that the weather predictions for this spring were for a weak La Nina weather pattern to replace last years El Nino which brought the wind and cold temperatures.

“These conditions should make it easier for anglers to get out fishing. It should also encourage the traditional spring smelt runs around the lakes which enables the trout to grow rapidly and gain condition. The recent winter has also been warmer than average which this should have boosted fish growth.”

Fish & Game expect the fish on most if not all of the lakes to be at least as big or bigger than the start of last season. “We are able to estimate the size of trout on opening day by analyzing data from small 1+ aged fish caught early in the winter. It is clear from these results that the autumn liberated fish in particular have done well. For example autumn released fish on Tarawera should average 550mm which is a big jump on last year and be the best for at least the last four years.”

The busiest place on opening day is undoubtedly going to be Lake Tarawera, which each year attracts thousands of anglers for the first day of the season. It’s always a great social day with most anglers catching a few fish. This year should be no exception. Lake Rotoiti has steadily increased in popularity over the past two seasons due to the large fish that are regularly being caught and even more anglers are expected this year. Mr Pitkethley suggested that some of the other lakes were a good option for anglers looking for a bit more room on the water. “Lake Okataina fished consistently well last season but does not usually attract as many anglers. The reduced activity on opening day is likely to work in the anglers favour as the fish usually get wary as a result of the extreme boat activity on the really busy lakes.”

While most of the anglers will be out on boats it is most likely that the biggest fish will come from the Ohau Channel. The Ohau Channel has consistently produced monster fish early in the season and the indications are that it will do the same this season.

If you are looking for a quiet place to go fishing on 1 October, however, give Tarawera a miss, as you will probably have another 500 boats for company. On the other hand it’s the place to be if you enjoy a social start to the season. If you are making a weekend of it don’t forget the annual Blessing of the Boats and Piping of the Haggis at the Tarawera Landing on the eve of the opening.

The bulk of anglers are likely to be heading for the regular hotspots. While plenty of fish are caught in these areas a huge range of opportunities largely go untapped. The smaller lakes are a classic example. Fisheries such as Ngapouri and Okaro are literally full of fish and are a fantastic opportunity for the either the family or getting new or young anglers underway. While the fish may not match Rotoiti for size expect a great catch rate.

Fish & Game remind anglers to be aware of the risk of inadvertently spreading aquatic plants or algae such as didymo. Inspect the boat and trailer after leaving the water and remove any weed and then wash any part of the boat or fishing gear that will not dry thoroughly before they next go fishing.