Reel Life November 2023

Above Right: Jack Ogden with a nice early season ringplain rainbow.

The Taranaki ringplain received a significant amount of rain on 17-20 November (New Plymouth Airport received 112mm over the four days).

But thankfully most of it was at low altitude and ringplain streams had only moderate freshes - sufficient to clear out the accumulated streambed algae but not enough to adversely affect newly emerged trout fry.

All river flows are now on the way down, although they may remain elevated for several days in the lower Patea River downstream of Patea dam. 

Check out the flows on the Taranaki Regional Council’s website at https://trc.govt.nz/environment/maps-and-data/regional-overview/?measureID=9

Waimarino/Ruapehu rivers and streams had only a minor fresh and they will quickly recede back to normal. You can check out river flows in the Horizons Regional Council area at https://www.horizons.govt.nz/

The regular freshes so far this season have kept Taranaki rivers and streams in great condition and anglers have reported that fish have been in better-than-expected condition for the early season. Fly spin and bait fishing (where permitted) will all take fish.

Stratford kids’ trout fishing day – 2nd December 2023

Evan Rawlinson with his catch from the 2022 Stratford kids’ trout fishing day

The booking sheet for the kid’s trout fishing day is now three-quarters full so be quick to secure a spot for your kids by calling into the Stratford i-Site in Miranda Street Stratford or ringing them on 0800 765 6708.

Of course, no worries if you can’t make it on the day - the trout will remain in the scout den pool and the adjacent pools and runs for some time afterwards.

Early mornings and the evening rise are great times to take the kids down for a fish or practise your fly casting.

The 26th annual Stratford kids’ trout fishing day involves the release of 300 good-sized rainbow trout into the scout den pool in the Patea River within King Edward Park, in the heart of Stratford. 

The event runs from 8 am until 1 pm on Saturday 2^nd December with help from the Stratford Fishing Club and Stratford Lions members and volunteers.

We also appreciate the support of the Taranaki Electricity Trust, which has approved a grant to cover the cost of the fish and event running expenses.

Lake Rotomanu Family Trout Fishing Day Release

Keen young anglers try their luck at Lake Rotomanu

There are still plenty of rainbow trout remaining in New Plymouth’s Lake Rotomanu following the family trout fishing day on October 28.

This includes two trophy 4kg+ rainbows.

Early mornings and evenings are likely to be the most productive times to fish, but it’s worth a go whenever you have the time - the two fishing platforms and the steps down the far end of the lake are good spots.

Tight Lines

Allen Stancliff, Taranaki Fish & Game