Rotorua trout start spawning runs

Good news for anglers – recent rains have boosted the number of trout making their spawning runs up Rotorua rivers. 
Eastern Region Fish & Game keeps a close eye on the spawning activity, which includes catching spawning trout at two fish traps – one on the Te Wairoa Stream at Lake Tarawera, and a second on the renowned Ngongotaha Stream. 

The Te Wairoa fish trap is monitored by Fish & Game from the beginning of April to the end of August, and staff members say the April figures were low due to low water flows and meagre rainfall. 

“Over the first few weeks of May, numbers have shot up,” says Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne. “The run to date is 50 fish ahead of the same point during the 2014 winter, which ended with a very pleasing total number of fish.” 

The winter period is a key time for shore-based anglers to target the prime spawning fish around stream mouths, Mr Osborne says. 

Fish size on Lake Tarawera, while not as large as the average fish anglers are catching on Lakes Rotoiti and Okataina presently, is slightly above last year’s run.
Tarawera anglers typically target the Te Wairoa Stream mouth, The Landing and Orchard beaches, along with Rangiuru Bay, Waitangi and Otumutu Stream mouths.
Reports have been received that Lake Rotoiti areas such as Hauparu Bay and Ruato Bay, along with spots known as 'Transformer' and 'The Pipe', have been producing quality fish, as have the main beach and Log Pool at Lake Okataina. 
“Up until the end of June, boat anglers on these lakes will also enjoy the benefits of top quality fish,” Mr Osborne says. 
“Several 10-pound [4.5kg] brown trout have also been caught in the Ngongotaha Stream recently. 
“Lake Rotorua tributaries and stream mouths, as with the other lakes, are well worth frequenting.”

Less angling pressure
Mr Osborne says that it’s a good time for licensed anglers to get out, as well as novices or those who want to try trout fishing.
“There’s still not much angling pressure, which means plenty of room to fish in most areas.”
He says there are plenty of areas to both fly and spin fish, with the latter being an easy method for youngsters or those new to angling. Check the angling regulations for which method/s you can use at what sites.
Nearly all Eastern Region fisheries remain open until the end of June, when some upper-river reaches close to protect spawning trout, and some lakes - including Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoiti - close to boat-based fishing. This gives the lakes a chance to rest ahead of the spring opening on October 1.

Local regulations can be found on the Fish & Game website.