| 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.”
|
