Good prospects for spring anglers

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 655, 24 September 1996, Page 5

Good prospects for spring anglers

Freshwater anglers can look forward to a promising start to the new fishing season which opens Tuesday, 1 October 1996, according to the T aranaki Fish & Game Council, which covers the Waimarino! The mild winter weather was characterised by frequent rainfall, but no large damaging floods. Streams and rivers are currently in good condition, although high levels will provide anglers with plenty of water to test their skills. Newcomers to angling should make the most of the early months when trout are actively feeding on the abundant spring food supply after the meagre winter rations. The warm spring weather induces early hatches of the major sources of trout food, the mayfly, stonefly and caddie insects. Trout feed voraciously on the glut of food to regain condition that was lost during spawning. Some excellent fishing was enjoyed by anglers at this time last season especially by those who exploited the evening rise. Pamphlets, maps, fish and game magazines and South Island fishing guides are available free from the game council's office. Trout on doorstep In the Ruapehu Region, arguably the most scenic and producti ve water in the region - the Manganui a Te Ao River near Raetihi, will always be worth a visit. Last year's eruption of Mt Ruapehu caused a popular section of the river to be-

come temporarily unfishable days before the new season opened. Luckily the trout in the headwaters and tributaries were unaffected and returned to the river as soon as the water quality became suitable. If the river is carrying a lot of water, adding split shot to the leader will help get your nymph down to the fish. Spinning and bait fishing with creeper or worm will also be productive, especially when the river is clearing after a fresh but remember the old trick of working a wet fly and be prepared to put a little split shot a foot above your lure to get some depth. Other Waimarino waters well worth a visit include the Tokiahuru Stream and the upper Mangawhero River and a tributary, the Taonui Stream. Rotorua in Everyone requires a licence to fish for trout and perch and they are available from the game council office at 1 Taupo Quay, opposite Moutoa Gardens and also from local sports shops. They are free to children under 12 years of age. For the first time, Eastern Fish and Game region has joined the other fish and game councils in making their 'great lakes' region

interavailable. This means that your Taranaki fishing licence is valid in the Rotorua/Tauranga/ Gisborne area at no extra

cost. You only need to purchase a separate fishing licence for the Taupo fishing region which is managed by the Department of Con-

servation. Make sure that you carry your licence with you when fishing as honorary rangers will be checking fishing areas.