NSFF RSS Feed

Fears of Brown Trout Cull Unjustified

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2012-03-15T19:09:15+13:00

Media release

Date 15 March 2012

FEARS OF BROWN TROUT CULL UNJUSTIFIED

Recent articles in the Department of Conservation’s Taupo fishery newsletter, Target Taupo, have led to a great deal of discussion in the local and social media arenas. While much of this debate has been well informed, there are some misconceptions about the department’s plans to investigate re-instating the winter runs of rainbow trout into the Tongariro River. The purpose of this statement is to clarify some of the misconceptions and misinformation which have been circulating, and to bring some balance to the discussion.

The idea that the department intends to cull brown trout to help the rainbow trout runs recover, which has received widespread comment, is both incorrect and ill informed. While brown trout do eat juvenile rainbow trout, and their offspring do provide competition for juvenile rainbows, they are only one of a number of possible reasons for declining numbers of early running rainbow trout in the Tongariro River. As fishery managers the department recognises the value of the brown trout fishery in the Tongariro River, and that it is worthy of protection as the world class angling opportunity that it represents. The department does not have any intention to undertake culling or any other sort of control of the brown trout population.

The Lake Taupo trout fishery is classed as a wild fishery as it is sustained by natural spawning and does not rely on hatchery releases or stocking to ensure sufficient numbers of trout for anglers or for reproduction in future years. However, for a number of different reasons including environmental factors, the timing of the traditional winter spawning runs has become much later, with a spring run now being the norm. As fishery managers, the department seeks to understand why this shift has occurred and also investigate whether it is possible to manipulate the run timing to return to a more traditional winter run, and this is why preparations are being made to release juvenile rainbow trout into the Tongariro system.

As explained in more detail in issue 64 of Target Taupo, we are embarking on a trial release of up to 20,000 juvenile rainbow trout in June 2012. These fish will be either from Lake Otamangakau or Lake Tarawera depending on the findings of a comprehensive genetic study. These juveniles originate from early running adults and so will hopefully breed early in 2-3 years time. Upon release into the Tongariro system, the juvenile rainbows will be of a suitable size to avoid the likelihood of being predated upon by brown trout. They will be tagged so they can be monitored to see if they return as early running adults.

As this is a trial over the next three years, the experiment will be refined, based on our results, to improve the outcomes of the trial.

This will explore the feasibility of restoring the early runs in the Tongariro system, while the fishery at large will still rely upon natural spawning to ensure its future. In the meantime, over the next few months anglers should enjoy some excellent fishing as the Tongariro River brown trout make their way upriver to spawn.

–Ends–

Contacts

Mark Venman
Programme Manager Field Operations – Fishery
Taupo-nui-a-Tia Area Office
Phone: 07 384 7158
Cell: 0272 386 319

Background information

Target Taupo, January 2012, issue 64
If you require a copy of this issue please email kturia@doc.govt.nz

EASTERN REGION NEW TROUT SEASON PROSPECTS

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-09-22T02:53:12+12:00

‘Bigger Fish’ Tipped for New Trout Season
Eastern Fish & Game Officers are tipping better prospects for catching some hefty fish on opening day, compared with the start of the trout fishing season last year.
The most popular spots in the Eastern Region will be lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina – all lakes where the fish have had a three-month rest from any boat fishing pressure.
Lake Tarawera can draw as many as 500 anglers on Opening Day. The trout there are already of a good size and condition thanks to a late summer and early autumn abundance of smelt, says Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne.
“This provided plenty of feed and there was a huge improvement in fish quality going into the winter.
“Data we’ve collected from competitions allows us to calculate the size of two-year old hatchery fish – those most likely to be caught by anglers come Opening Day.”
We expect the fish which were released in May 2010 for example, now two years-old, to reach 541 mm – that’s 21 mm longer than last opening, Matt says.
Fish caught in our trap at Te Wairoa stream near The Landing, during the spawning runs this winter, have turned up slightly shorter than last year, but heavier and in better condition. (Average length 577mm and weight 2.51kg)
Matt Osborne says pleasing results came from several drift dives Fish & Game Officers carried out at the Tarawera Outlet to count fish this winter. They observed above average numbers of spawning trout – so the future looks bright for anglers into future seasons, he says.
Trout in Lake Rotoiti also look to be of a good size, again going by competition data from July. The two year old trout liberated in September 2010 should be slightly longer this year compared to the last opening.
The size of hatchery-bred fish in Lake Rotoiti should be up in general, Matt says. “In response to the strong angler pressure the lake has come under in the last few years, we now liberate 28,500 fish in Rotoiti annually.”
The Ohau Channel connecting Lake Rotoiti to Lake Rotorua is always a busy place on opening, and I’m pretty confident the district’s largest fish will come from here, Matt says – large brown trout and well-conditioned rainbows, but bear in mind fly fishing only is permitted in the channel.
“If a smelt run happens in the channel leading up to opening, then it will be brilliant. Watch out for shags and seagulls hanging around feeding as this will tell you if the smelt are there!”
Like Tarawera, Lake Rotorua also experienced healthy autumn smelt numbers, and fish responded with an improvement in their condition – after a couple of seasons where a lack of smelt meant trout size and condition was generally disappointing.
Fish & Game officers have taken some quite nicely conditioned rainbows from their fish trap at Ngongotaha – fish which are making spawning runs from Lake Rotorua, and anglers have also caught some good fish. “Remember to check the regulations before fishing Rotorua streams as the upper reaches of some remain closed on October 1,” Matt says.
Lake Okataina comes under less pressure with the opening of the season because of its remote location, reached via a narrow bush road. It also has a long narrow boat launching ramp that puts a few people off Matt says. “It is a beautiful lake which has produced a number of great-conditioned fish over the past few years.
To generalise, the most productive way to catch fish on the lakes on and around the October opening will be harling (shallow trolling) early in the morning and in the evening in low light conditions. Deeper trolling using methods such as lead line, wire, and downriggers are a good bet for the middle of the day when fish are found deeper. “Lots of boat traffic which is typical at the start of the season can force fish deeper.”
Jigging is generally more productive from around December when the water warms and a strong thermocline forms, up until about the end of May. On deep inland lakes, water temperatures tend to settle into horizontal layers of warm water and cold water separated by a moderating layer known as the ‘thermocline,’ which is the most active feeding zone. Some anglers go jigging from opening however, even though there isn’t a thermocline present. It simply means the fish are harder to target and fishers need to work the depths a little more.
There have been no changes to Eastern Fish & Game Region’s angling regulations for the new 2010-2011 season. The area of Ruato Bay on Lake Rotoiti which has been closed will be open from October 1. But please note that it will be off limits again from 1 April until the end of the season on September 30, Matt says. The annual closure period is an Eastern Region trial to see whether winter shoreline catch rates can be improved by stopping the boat harvest of fish within a particular area of the lake. It’s thought that trout congregate in Ruato Bay before they make their run toward beach areas to try and spawn.
The October 1 Opening Day falls on a Saturday so Fish & Game expects a strong turnout of fishers, especially if the weather plays ball. “Our officers and helpers will be out in force as usual”, Matt says, “and we traditionally talk to around 1000 anglers on the three most popular lakes in particular - Tarawera, Rotoiti and Okataina”. Fish & Game officers and honoraries will be patrolling in two boats and on foot at the ramps on selected Rotorua lakes. Honorary rangers will be working further afield.
“We’ll be checking licences, carrying out angler surveys and seeing how many fish have been caught. We will also be collecting as many fish stats as possible, including the length, weight and age of fish, to understand their growth. We know the age either from the fins clipped in a certain pattern or from a tag. We can compare all this data with the same information from other years.”
Fish & Game notes that while these are the most popular lakes, a number of other rivers and streams around the region open for fishing on October 1, and canny anglers who want to get away on their own will head to these areas. But all fishers are reminded to check the regulations to be sure which areas are open.
Fish & Game brochures with tips and access information are available from fishing stores, and outlets where licence are sold (Don't forget to buy your licence – you stand a very good chance of being asked to produce it!). Separate pamphlets are available with details of the regulations.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne
Tel 07-375 5501 (ext. 814)
Mob 021-375 275

CLUB TRIP TO FISH LAKE OTAMANGAKAU

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-09-08T01:21:50+12:00

We are sending this notice out in advance of the monthly newsletter because we are aware that the trip dates coincide with some eight Rugby World Cup games. We have tentatively booked six rooms at the Tongariro Holiday Park, and need to assess whether, in the circumstances, this is a realistic number.
The Big O opens on Saturday, 1 October. The trip is an opportunity to get some experience of this world-famous fishery if you are unfamiliar with it. The lake is best fished from a boat, pontoon boat or float tube. If you do not have such craft, there is a strong possibility that you will be able to share a boat with another club member, so don’t be put off.
The Big O was formed as part of the hydro system in the Turangi area. It is a shallow, weedy lake renowned for large rainbows and browns that are not that easy to catch. Lake levels vary a bit according to the water draw off for power generation. If it is low, wading the margins is feasible. It takes water diverted from the upper Whanganui and Whakapapa Rivers and may become dirty if the rivers are in flood. This lake is typically fished in the daytime from drifting or anchored boats, or float tubes, etc, using bloodworm, damsel or snail pattern flies on a floating line, usually with an indicator. The bloodworm seems to work best in my experience. The biggest fish I have caught there was 101⁄4 lb. On the last club trip, March 2011, the average fish was 5 – 7 lb.
Night-fishing is always worthwhile as the fish seem to be less paranoid then. Any of the standard night flies can be used: I generally start off with a lumo doll fly on a shortish heavy leader once the twilight has faded. Obviously one needs a head torch to change flies, deal with fish, etc, and one needs to be comfortable casting and retrieving in the dark.
Remember that Lake Rotoaira opened on 1 September, so that there is fishing there on the Friday, or earlier.
DATES OF ACCOMODATION
Friday, 30th September and Saturday, 1st October.
ACCOMMODA TION
Six single rooms have been booked at the Tongariro Holiday Park, for the Friday and Saturday nights. This number can be adjusted if necessary. The rooms have two beds but are rather small: normally it’s one person per room, with the second bed used for gear. Cost is $55 for single or twin occupancy in a unit. ( This figure is their advertised rate: in past years, we have received a discount, and hopefully this will continue)You can check their website for alternative types of unit if you wish.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Fishing equipment, rain and cold weather gear (!), food, sleeping bag, usual personal items.

Dennis Smith Trip organizer.
Please let me know by 20 September (but the sooner the better) if you plan to come, or have got any queries. My contact details are
ph. 376 3375, or email, de.smith@xtra.co.nz , or see me at the September Club Night.

Auckland Regional Fly Fishing Competition

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-08-24T10:35:55+12:00

Hi All,
Brendan Lyon is organising the Auckland Regional Fly Fishing Competition to be held 10th and 11th September on the Ohinemuri River.
Additional controllers are needed for the weekend.
If people are interested they can contact Brendan on b.lyon@vodafone.co.nz
Thanks for your help.

--
Bruce Willingale
secretary@aucklandfreshwateranglers.org.nz

RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-08-02T15:24:11+12:00

The RISE Fly Fishing Film Festival will be coming to Auckland again next month after a very
successful and enjoyable show last year. All new films this year with a very exciting line up.

http://gin-clear.com/gin-clear%20Film%20Festival/film%20fest.html

Auckland Show

BRIDGEWAY CINEMA

Wednesday, 24th August 2011
Showtime : 8.30-10.30pm

Tickets: NZ$25

It would be great if you could pass this onto the club members

Many Thanks

Nick Reygaert

Trout Fishers Seek Politicians' Answers on Rivers

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-07-21T14:39:33+12:00

Trout Fishers Seek Politicians' Answers on Rivers

Thursday, 21 July 2011, 2:03 pm
Press Release: NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers
Press Release 21 July 2011

Trout Fishers Seek Politicians' Answers on Rivers

A national trout-fishing advocacy wants answers from political parties on question marks over water quality and public access to rivers and fishing.

The New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers has written to all political parties identifying threats, often commercially driven, to traditional public ownership and use of water and waterways plus environmental standards and water quality.

Federation president Jim Hale, a Manawatu dairy farmer and trout fisherman, said there was growing concern at the potential plight of New Zealand rivers and the erosion of access to waterways.

"While such issues may not be at the top of political party agendas, they are of considerable importance to the numerous trout fishing public. There is a feeling and an awareness within freshwater anglers that the threats to our freshwater rivers and lakes from urban, industrial and agricultural extraction and pollution, and the increasing attempts by vested interests to privatise and monopolise a public resource, are at a tipping point," he said. "Consequently there is a very real danger that something the public values greatly, and which many take for granted, could be lost forever."

Mr Hale said the first European settlers had established trout fisheries and a law framework that was designed to, unlike the UK, make trout fishing a public sport available to all along egalitarian principles.

"So there is nearly two centuries of tradition and heritage and associated law at stake."

Many of trout fishers want parties to consider formulating sound policies and have indicated answers will definitely influence voting preferences in the upcoming election.

New Zealand Fly Fishing Team Clinic

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-07-11T20:30:51+12:00

Hi,
The New Zealand Fly Fishing team has now been named to compete at the World
Championships in Slovenia next year.
Over the next 12 months the team will be running a series of clinics
catering for all levels of ability, from beginner to experienced angler. The
clinics will cover; reading rivers, where to fish, spotting and casting to
fish, flies, leaders, knots, fly tying and fly types etc. You will learn
more in two days than you would pick up fishing by yourself in two years.
The intention is to hold clinics in a number of regions depending on demand.
There will be no more than one to two anglers to each team member so there
will be plenty of one-on-one tuition.

To register your interest or for more information on these clinics please
contact me.

Regards

Tony Houpt
Nzfishing.com

Waterways polluted ?-On TV!

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-06-17T14:08:13+12:00

Recently TV1 have taken an interest in our polluted waterways. On Thursday 16th June there was an item on “Closeup” about the polluted lakes in the Waikato with lots of Noxious fish and Algae being shown . The item also showed an excerpt of John Key being hounded by an English TV presenter about our “ Clean Green Image” a week or so back. There are Newspaper articles on this today as well.
It seems that it is an opportune time to send an email Direct to “Closeup” as a follow up with pictures ( if possible ) of Water pollution in YOUR area..

This would bring more media attention to the problems of water pollution following up from the TV1 “ Close up” presentation.
If you would like to send an email or photos here’s the email address.

closeup@tvnz.co.nz

Being a visual media the time to contact them is when visible signs are present of pollution.

If they don’t pick up on it in short order then email TV 3 “Campbell live” as well.
campbelllive@tv3.co.nz

Emailed pictures with an email are more likely to get them into some sort of action.

It is an opportunity to strike while Television is showing an interest in our Waterways.

Selwyn Hodder
Secretary
New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers(inc)
C/- P O Box 38-777
Howick, Manukau 2145
Email secretary "sghodder@xtra.co.nz"
http:/www.nzffa.net
( All the Federation info and news is here !)

Lake Pupuke Challenge 2011

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-03-24T10:06:02+13:00

Once again the Lake Pupuke Challenge has been organized to follow the release of 1000 rainbow and 100 brown trout into Lake Pupuke. The prizes can be found on the public flyer (see Events/Newsletter page). Not publicly published, but importatnt to Club members is the Ian Hunt Cup for the largest trout caught by any NSFF Club Member.

Club Trip To The Big O

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-02-16T09:16:40+13:00

Lake Otamangakau Trip Flyer

Club Trip next weekend to the Ngongotaha River and Rotorua Lakes

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-02-03T19:00:48+13:00

Hello To Everyone,

This is just a reminder to that there are still 3 places available for the Club Trip next weekend to the Ngongotaha River and Rotorua Lakes.

This will take place next weekend Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday the 13th of February. We will again be staying at the Paradise Valley Lodge, which backs onto the river.
Costs will be $75.00 each, which will cover 2 nights accommodation in the lodge and a BBQ on Saturday evening. (There are also two separate rooms beside the lodge that are available and offer more privacy than the Lodge Bunkrooms, but they do cost more).
The 'Ngonga' has had two big floods recently but will be settled down again by next week and hopefully full of fresh run Trout. Also the River mouth fishing at this time of year can be spectacular!
If you are interested the organiser for this trip is Duncan Frew, available on 021 648 956 or iconp@ihug.co.nz

Club Trip to Ngongotaha River and Rotorua Area

phil@mactutor.co.nz — 2011-01-22T11:11:01+13:00

This years Club Trip to fish the Ngongotaha River and the Rotorua region will now take place on the weekend of Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday the 13th of February. We will again be staying at the Paradise Valley Lodge, which backs onto the river.
Costs will be $75.00 each, which will cover 2 nights accommodation in the lodge and a BBQ on Saturday evening. There are also two separate rooms beside the lodge that are available and offer more privacy than the Lodge Bunkrooms, but they do cost more.
The river mouths and lake edges in the area should be ‘going off’ around mid February and hopefully the Dry fly and sight fishing action in the surrounding rivers will be hot too.
Organiser for this trip is Duncan Frew, available on 021 648 956 or dfrew@ihug.co.nz .