Reel Life September 2024 - Wellington

Fox Carnachan into a solid Wairarapa brown trout late last season

Anticipation High For Another Great Season

Anticipation amongst anglers for October 1 is high in the lower North Island after a fantastic last season – one of the best in years for the Wellington Fish & Game region.

If you haven’t yet got your licence – grab one now! 

Conditions have been relatively stable for most parts of the region for most of winter which bodes well for the season ahead.

Although a reasonable flood event hit several weeks ago, it’s likely that the fish in our river systems will have successfully spawned by then and hopefully it won’t have affected recruitment  or the adult population too aversely.

There’ve been positive reports from whitebaiters on the Wairarapa Coast, so early-season opportunities exist in the lower reaches of the Ruamahanga and perhaps even some of the east coast estuarine river reaches like the Pahaoa River.

The lower river reaches on the Kapiti Coast are also worth a look as these also often see good whitebait runs and the trout will certainly be working with the kahawai and chasing them. Silver streamer flies, small spinners and soft baits will work well.

The spawning streams will still be holding reasonable fish numbers as flows are high and these won’t drop for some time. If you’re into small stream, technical fishing, this will really test you and those who explore and persevere will find rewarding fishing.

There will likely be plenty of excited anglers heading into the backcountry if the weather holds. Remember to be respectful and share the water if you encounter others. Enjoy - there’s plenty of awesome angling on the cards in the months ahead.