TROUT-FISHING.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 303, 7 December 1936, Page 4

TROUT-FISHING.

STRATFORD PROSPECTS.

Goot Catches By Local Anglers.

Despite the pessimistic views of many anglers prior to the opening of the fishing season on October 1 last, and despite the persistent bad weather experienced over the two months, those anglers who have been keen enough have been quite well rewarded for their efforts. Prior to the season many held the opinion that the floods over the pasts two years had completely denuded the Maunganui River of fish, but quite a number of fish have been, caught between the junction of the Te Popo stream with the Maunganui and the weir at Tariki Road. Reports indicate that when the fish start feeding nearer the surface quite a number of holes will bear close inspection. Flood Problem.

There is no denying the fact that this river has been badly knocked about with the floods, and even with persistent stocking it may take up to five years to bring it back to its state of three years ago. Sand brought down by freshes which have filled up a lot of good holes will take some years to disappear down the river, but this will gradually improve and good fishing in the Maunganui in future years can be looked forward to. There is no doubt that Stratford anglers are indeed fortunate in. having the Patea River so handy to the town. It produces excellent fish and this season the condition of the fish has been the best for some years. Many good catches have been reported. Ten Pounder.

The first entry in the competition was 51bs 13ozs, the second entry 71bs 12ozs, both from the Patea, then a good fish was caught in the Te Popo at Midhirst but could not equal the 7|lb entry. Within a week .an eight pound fish was caught at Skinner Road and looked like a winner until a week ago. Then came a real fish of 10i pounds caught in the Kahouri Stream near the abbatoirs. This old stagei' had quite a few victories to his credit, but after winning the first two bouts this season against the one opponent, finally took the count to this persistent angler,__The fish was a jack in first class condition and. put up a wondeful fight, taking about 45 minutes to land.

The Waingongoro. Many good fish have also been taken from the Waingongoro and the many freshes experienced have been in favour of tfte fishing, in this stream as during dry weather it is stone clear and requires extremely careful fishing. Generally the conditions have not been conducive to big bags because with plenty of water the fish have been feeding on the bottom. Now that the green beetle is due to appear and the present warm weather will bring them out, the fish will feed nearer the surface. Between now and Christmas better bags should be taken and given improved weather it is predicted that the best of the season’s fishing is still in front of anglers.