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Summer trout fishing in the upper reaches of
most rivers flowing into Lake
Taupo starts again on the 1st December. These sections are closed
over the winter months to allow trout to spawn undisturbed.
Counts of fish over recent weeks by Department
of Conservation staff indicate there are still plenty of trout in
these stretches and anglers can expect some good action. However
many of the fish have been there for quite some time over the spawning
period and are no longer in the best of condition.
Anglers are encouraged to be careful when releasing
poor-conditioned fish. “Often these are not suitable for the
table, but if released carefully will recover condition over the
summer months and be a prized catch later in the season”,
says Taupo Fishery Area Technical Support Officer, Mark Venman.
“If at all possible avoid handling the fish, and unhook it
while it is still in the water”.
Anglers keen to try the sport in the upper sections
of these rivers should check the reverse of their Taupo
District fishing licence. A clear map indicates in red the rivers
and streams that open up to fishing from 1 December to 31 May.
These upper areas are valued for their remoteness
and scenery and DOC strongly advises anglers to ensure that they
have cleaned their gear before visiting these special sites. “Although
the invasive algae Didymo
is not yet thought to be in the North Island, it is too big a risk
not to clean your gear before visiting these areas” says Mr
Venman. It is even more important to ensure that fishing gear has
been adequately cleaned as the entire river system would suffer
should a didymo incursion occur in the headwaters of these rivers.
Mr Venman added that “One of the few ways didymo can move
upstream is if it is physically carried on infected gear or waders”.
A 5% solution of dishwashing detergent (50 mls
per litre) in a spray bottle is perfect for disinfecting rods, reels,
waders and anything else which is to be used in our waterways. DOC
discourages the use of felt soled wading boots due to their ability
to harbour didymo cells for several weeks, but if anglers wish to
use them they are strongly advised to freeze them solid prior to
fishing. This has been shown to be one of the better methods as
disinfectant alone doesn’t penetrate deep enough into the
boot.
“If everyone does their part and takes
responsibility for cleaning their gear at the end of each day and
before moving between rivers then it will be possible to remain
Didymo free for yet another season” says Mr Venman. |
