‘Big brown trout’ in hydro lakes tempt anglers

The Waikato hydro lakes are fishing well with “double-figure” brown trout on the prowl.

Auckland/Waikato Fisheries Manager Adam Daniel says it’s a great time of year to spin, troll or fly fish for these big brown trout on the hydro lakes of Arapuni and Karapiro.

“Browns are susceptible to rainbow trout lures like the small Rapala plugs.”

Dr Daniel says there will be plenty of rainbow trout in the lakes this summer as Fish & Game staff are re-stocking Lake Arapuni with 4000 trout this month.

He says Lake Karapiro will receive 1500 rainbow trout from the Ngongotaha hatchery, which will add to the number of naturally produced wild fish from streams like the Pokaiwhenua.

Shifting all of the hydro lake fish releases to October is a first for Fish & Game – aimed at achieving better survival rates.

“Fish & Game staff hope the shift – releasing in October instead of May – will double the number of trout that survive to be caught by anglers.

“But to make sure we’re correct we need anglers help.”

Dr Daniel asks anglers who catch a tagged fish in Lake Arapuni or Karapiro to measure the fish from the nose to the fork in the tail and give us a ring at 07-849 1666, or send us an email at admin@awfg.org.nz with the details.

“We also want to hear about any clipped fish you catch. If you can take a picture of the fin clip and measure the length this is also very valuable information.”

ends

© Scoop Media