Ideal fishing conditions - are you missing out?

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 567, 20 December 1994, Page 20

Ideal fishing conditions - are you missing out?

Summer has finally arrived in force and all the rivers in the Waimarino Region are fishable, reports the local Fish and Game Council: There are great fishing opportunities in the area and reports of good sized trout are flooding in. Be part of the action and enjoy a sport that is an ideal family recreational activity that is readily combined with camping, picnicking or boating. A fishing licence is great value for money. If last season wasn't a great one for you or you are just beginning in the sport, joining an angling club is a good

way to improve your enjoyment. Nothing beats speaking to successful anglers. Local knowledge of river and lake conditions, fishing spots, techniques and lures is important. Most of the clubs hold on-river meetings or run excellent training courses. There is plenty of water for everyone to fish and in many cases on a day's outing you will be lucky if you see another angler. The prospects have never been better! There are some wonderful fishing opportunities in the Central Plateau region which contains rivers and lakes of pristine water quality sourced from Mt Ruapehu and the National Park. The conditions are perfect for trout which thrive here and its also an area where you can get away from the crowds.

The Manganui a Te Ao River

The "jewel in the crown" is the "Manganui- A-Te-Ao River which is protected by a National Water Conservation Order. It contains a large population of brown and rainbow trout that reach up to 3.5kg in size. Angling pressure has little effect between Ruatiti Domain and Hoihenga. The impact of the recent flood on this awesome fishery was small and good evening hatches of insects are occurring. The use of weighted hare and copper, halfback and caddis nymphs in the runs and faster water, will produce good fish. At the heads of pools, add split shot for extra weight to get the nymph down to the fish. Bait fishing with creeper and worm, and spinning when the river is discoloured from rain will also be productive. Good camping facilities are available at Raetihi and Ohakune Motor Camps and Ruatiti Domain. Check the Domain map for details regarding access. A river which is overlooked but contains good numbers of brown trout is the Mangawhero River which flows through the middle of Ohakune township and close by the Ohakune camp. The deep pools of the Retaruke and Kaiteke Rivers also contain mainly brown trout that can reach over 2kg. Success is not guaranteed, but all these spots do hold plenty of fish. One thing is true — you can't catch fish if you are not out on the river.

Waimarino Lakes

While many people have heard of the renowned rivers in the Waimarino, there are also some excellent lakes which are well worth a visit in this alpine region. Ohakune Lake is a great place for junior fishermen and beginners. It is situated on the Ohakune - Raetihi Road in a native TURNTO PAGE 18

Ideal fishing conditions - are you missing out?

FROMPAGE20 bush reserve and is stocked annually with 2-and 3-year old rainbow trout from the Turangi Hatchery. Lake Rotokuru is one of the bush-fringed Karioi Lakes located 10km east of Ohakune on the Ohakune - Waiouru Road. It is a scenic deep volcanic crater that is five hectares in size and is also stocked with rainbow trout. Other lakes worthy of mention are the Raetihi Hydro dam and Dobb' s Dam in the Retaruke catchment. This year the Fish and Game Councils are conducting a National Angler survey. Anglers will be randomly selected and a phone call made to inquire what waters and how many days on each, did you fish in the previous two months. Your help will enable us to manage the fishery resource more effectively. Increased Ranger Activity Already three further 'no licence' prosecutions are pending this season. The Fish and Game Councils have a very active, keen group of honorary rangers at present. Please make their task pleasant by having a current sportsfish licence AND have it on your person when fishing."