As most of you know, the majority of rivers and streams in the King Country/Waikato region close for the winter spawning season. But if you wish to fish close to Hamilton, all is not lost. The Waihou and Waimakariri stay open and you can have lots of fun on these with high numbers of smaller fish. Fish in these spring creeks will rise to a dry fly during the warmer days of winter. I have also caught plenty of fish in these streams up to 4lbs. Always a nice surprise. Water quality is always fantastic. The Ohinemuri and Waitawheta also have sections that stay open. Once again, they have awesome water quality and great scenery. The Waipa and Puniu both are open up to Toa bridge and Seafund road bridge. These rivers are rain fed and take longer to clear after rain but they hold good numbers of large fish. The hydro lakes stay open and Arapuni is still fishing well throughout its length. The fishing is best above the sticks. Most people are trolling with 2 or 3 colours and using tazi's and cobras. The top end of the lake has some very good shore based fishing also. Get down below the Waipapa dam and the fish are big and nasty. Karapiro is fishing well at night time below the dam. Try swinging wet flies such as wolly buggers and doll flies around in the back eddies. If that is not enough then have a go at the sea run trout that follow the white bait up the estuaries. This will come into full swing in the next month or so. At the very least you will be nailed by good sized Kahawai. Remember the trout are often very good quality and very large. So if you can't get down to Rotorua or Taupo, which are both fishing well at present. You still have plenty of options within 1 hours drive. Best of luck. If you have any further enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact me at Fish City. 07-847 8495. Tight lines, Mike Davis.

 

From The Fishing Website

Report type: Freshwater

Report date: 13 August 01

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