Rotiti jigging has been sensational

While the weather has still remained unsettled over the last couple of weeks, the one thing we know is the weather will improve steadily throughout January.   

On the plus side, when people have been able to get out, the fishing has been brilliant. And let’s face it, the bad conditions have meant that most of our waters have become a reserve because people haven't been able to get out.

Earlier this week, I managed to get out with Pat Swift on Lake Rotoiti, and the jigging was sensational – 48 trout landed on the boat. These fish ranged from 2kg to 3.2kg and were all in great nick. The predominant food source for the fish has turned over to smelt, so patterns such as the grey ghost, slimy ghost, and ginger mick are what angler’s should be using. The best smelt patterns are the Pat Swift flies – his epoxy head flies are great imitations of our local smelt, and they catch fish.

Lake Rotorua is starting to warm up; anglers are making their way to Awahou, Hamurana, and the Waitite mouths. The rainbows are starting to be caught here, and the fishing will continue to improve as the lake warms up. Some anglers have been very successful at stalking browns under the willows around Rotorua, and these fish have been smelting up in the shallows, making for incredibly exciting action.

The writer with a prime Rotoiti trout taken on the jig.

The Ngongataha Stream has been carrying a fair bit of colour for the last few weeks, but as it settles down and clears, more brownies would’ve entered. This is a great small stream and typically carries the best browns in the North Island, so be sure to get on and have an explore.

I haven’t heard much on the Tarawera front, but this will be our busiest fishery over Christmas, so be patient with each other and get out early. So far, the lake has fished very well, with many trout over 3kg being landed. Jigging, harling, and trolling have all gone well. Some keen fly fishers have been successfully targeting smelting fish on the surface with their fly rods.

Have a wonderful, safe, and enjoyable Christmas. Don’t take unnecessary risks and enjoy our wonderful fishery!

All the best,

Mike Davis
Rotorua Hunting and Fishing New Zealand
360 Te Ngae Road, Lynmore Junction, Lynmore, Rotorua 3010
07 349 6303
https://www.facebook.com/RotoHF/
www.huntingandfishing.co.nz