(Apologies for not posting this sooner but we only just discovered it. Also, thank you for the advice of the F&G article on “Trout Towns”. Grossly misleading rubbish. TRM will report on it tomorrow after Taupo Council have had a day to respond as well…)
From DOC’s facebook:
— DOC JULY 2017 fishing report —
July saw some exceptional fishing in regard to both the number and condition of fish caught. The run so far is significantly higher this year compared to last with the average fish condition also following the same trend. Based on the Waipa stream trap data, the rainbow trout this year are on average 0.37kg or almost 30% heavier compared to the same time last year. Brown trout are showing an even bigger increase putting on an average weight of 0.74kg or 35% body weight. This can be attributed to the good growing conditions in the lake over summer and early rainfall. The high condition factor generally equates to the fish maturing faster so are therefore able to spawn earlier.
The CPUE for the month over the Tauranga-Taupo, Hinemaiaia and Tongariro rivers was 0.75 fish/hour. However, when breaking this down to fishing methods, it’s clear that Czech nymphing comes out on top in terms of efficiency. Only 9-10% of total anglers use this method, however they produced an average CPUE of 2.2 fish/hour compared to traditional nymphing which saw an average of 0.56 fish/hour.
Drift-diving or ‘escapement counts’ have also just commenced with the ever-defrosting snorkelers confirming the high riverine fish numbers. All river counts are significantly up from last year with particularly high numbers observed on the Waimarino and Waiotaka streams. Of special note, 57 of 63 fish counted in the Waiotaka were Brown trout. The heaviest Brown weighed in the Waipa fish trap during July was a jack weighing 3.9kg and 620mm.
Bob, visiting from the South Island, took the months heaviest fish honours with a 2.5kg rainbow hen caught at the Major Jones pool, Tongariro River.
Now’s the time to be out there and getting amongst it as the great fishing will no doubt continue. Keep up the good work, be nice to each other by keeping to etiquette rules and see you on the river!