Media release from Wellington Fish & Game

Go fish call to Wellington anglers as new trout season opens

Thousands of anglers around the country are getting set to turn out for the opening of the new sports fishing season on Tuesday (Oct 1,2013), and the Wellington region will be no exception.

Fish & Game Wellington regional manager Phil Teal says the summer drought and relatively dry winter have seen trout feeding, rather than avoiding the winter freshes.

“Recent monitoring has also shown healthy numbers of trout in the rivers, and their condition’s good, so prospects are looking great.

Recent rains will have freshened things up but most rivers should be running clear relatively quickly, he adds. 

Mr Teal notes that one significant step this year was the relaxing of regulations for the Hutt River from one to two fish per day.  Monitoring has shown the trout population to be in “pretty good shape.”

He says that although it comes as a surprise to some, the Hutt River is “a great trout fishery with excellent access which runs through a major population centre. Anglers have dubbed the river the ‘coolest little Capital trout fishery in the world.’” 

Teal notes that there’s also some excellent fishing to be had in the Ruamahanga, Rangitikei, and Manawatu catchments, within an hour’s drive of major population centres in the lower North Island.

“Wellington, Wairarapa, Kapiti Coast, and Manawatu have some fantastic trout fishing opportunities right on the doorstep – and a growing reputation for quality river fishing”.

Mr Teal said it is becoming more of a tradition to go fishing on opening day and he wouldn’t be surprised if a few anglers took a ‘sickie’ on Tuesday to take advantage of the promising conditions.

“We don't advocate pulling a sickie, but however you manage the time off, it’s certainly a good opportunity to reduce the stress levels from work, and from watching the America’s Cup.”  

The sports fishing season starts on October 1 and runs through until end of April for most rivers - with extended seasons in several rivers and lakes.  A sports fishing licence is required which is valid for the whole of New Zealand except Taupo. A licence can be bought at fishing stores or online from Fish & Game: www.fishandgame.org.nz

ENDS

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