Anglers are still complaining about the number of trout practising catch & release all by themselves. The condition of the fresh run Rainbows is so superb that they have no problem in breaking lines, stripping knots, bending hooks or just using ballet and aerobatic techniques to release themselves. And I thought it was just me…
Meanwhile the experts show we can improve – i.e.
Email from TRM’s Fishing guide – Richard:
Hi Ross, Thanks for a great stay again over the weekend….. landed over 50 topped off this morning with nine from the same pool including the two pictured….who cares about the rain!! (That was on Sunday) If people want to follow my fishing antics my facebook page is ‘two mountains trout guide’. Cheers Richard
One thing about the non stop rain means that the Waipa fish trap is seeing heaps of fish through it. We are approaching the peak of the run, so there are really good numbers of fresh fish in the system now.
While rivers like the Hinemaiaia can expect to see fresh fish outnumbered by spawning or recovering fish now, the Tongariro is still seeing regular runs of fish like these 2kg beauties into the system .
The 3rd pic is of a fat and healthy hen which has scoliosis, which is a spinal deformity and is occasionally seen in fish through the trap. Causes are believed to be due to factors such as pollutants, nutritional deficiencies, infectious diseases and genetics, but apart from the obvious visual impact this fish seemed none the worse for having it.
After the worst winter weather we can remember in terms of continual wet and/or windy weather it all came right yesterday – above image taken by Brian Gray from top of Pihanga yesterday looking over Lake Rotoaira towards the Tongariro National Park.
And today is another beautiful day practice involuntary catch ‘n release…