Article by Debbie Gregory – Gisborne Herald (Friday 28th September 2007)
Aside from the big contingent of Gisborne folk heading to Rotorua Lakes, the Ruakituri and the Hangaroa rivers will be popular spots from Monday when the rivers are reopened for the new trout fishing season.
Senior Fish and Game officer, Rob Pitkethley said prospects of a mild spring were great news for anglers eagerly waiting the October 1 start to the new season. “The start to last season was cold and windy, which made things tough both for trout and anglers,” he said.
Weather predictions for this spring however were for a weak La Nina weather pattern to replace last year’s El Nino that brought the wind and cold temperatures.
“These conditions should make it easier for anglers to get out fishing. It should also encourage the traditional spring smelt runs around the lakes, which enables the trout to grow rapidly and gain condition. Also the warmer winter should have boosted fish growth, he said.
Fish and Game expect fish in most of the lakes to be at least as big or bigger that the start of last season. “We are able to estimate the size of trout on opening day by analyzing data from small older-than-one-year fish caught early in the winter. “It is clear from these results that the autumn-liberated fish, in particular, have done well. For example, autumn-released fish in Tarawera should average 550mm, which is a big jump on last four years.”
The busiest place on opening day is going to be Lake Tarawera, which each year attracts thousands of anglers for the first day of the season. It’s always a great social day, with most anglers catching a few fish. This year should be no exception,” said Mr Pitkethley.
Lake Rotoiti has steadily increased in popularity over the past two seasons. Large fish are regularly caught and even more anglers are expected this year. Lake Okataina has fished consistently well last season but doesn’t usually attract as many anglers.
The reduced activity on opening day is likely to work in the anglers favour, as the fish usually get wary as a result of the extreme boat activity on the busy lakes. While most anglers will be out on boasts, it is most likely that the biggest fish will come from the Ohau Channel, which has consistently produced monster fish early in the season. Indications are that it will do the same this season. While the fish may not match Rotoiti for size, expect a great catch rate.
The new season date means fishermen will have to renew old fishing licences, which will expire on September 31.
Although most of the waterways closed for winter open on Monday, the Hopuruahine and Mokau Streams at Lake Waikaremoana and a couple of Rotorua waterways remain closed until December.
Fish and Game reminds anglers to be aware of the risk of spreading aquatic plants or algae such as didymo.
Inspect the boat and trailer after leaving the water and remove any wee, then wash any part of the boat or fishing gear that will not dry thoroughly before you next go fishing.
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