Hi Ross
We trust you, Pip & Juno are keeping well and with good bookings with AK anniversary weekend coming up.
The boys working on the loop track are doing a splendid job of cutting back the bushes on the other side TRB river today.
In talking to the head shonko on the track today he said the big boss at DOC wanted it all cut back & looking pristine for us walker/bikers..
Just to note when asked about spraying the blackberries along the main tracks – he said they will not be spaying along the main tracks only the smaller tracks leading off the main track down to the river for the fisherman. The Boss said its less Mahi for them and easier just to spray the smaller tracks so don’t be taking any of those blackberries for your pudding 😊
Cheers
From: Taupo Fishery <TaupoFishery@doc.govt.nz>
Sent: Wednesday, 25 January 2023
Subject: Taupo Fishery Focus – Lake Otamangakau
Taupo Fishery Focus – Lake Otamangakau   Taupō Fishery Focus, Lake Otamangakau Special. By trout anglers for trout anglers.25 January 2023. Lake Otamangakau will close to fishing in 7 days. The Lake Otamangakau fishery will close to fishing for one month from Wednesday 1 February. It will reopen to anglers on 1 March. The closure is part of a package of four regulation changes introduced this season to protect the long-term future of this popular trout fishing destination. Two years of focussed scientific investigation combined with nearly 30 years of research and monitoring at Lake Otamangakau provide us with a good understanding of trout populations and the impacts of angling pressure, catch-and-release and water temperature. The February closure is designed to protect trout from exposure to excessive surface water temperature during the hottest time of the year. We know the hottest water temperatures are recorded in February, regularly exceeding 20 degrees C. This temperature can be lethal to trout. Our catch-and-release studies at Lake Otamangakau reveal a 100% survival rate during the cool water phase. This dropped to around 60% during the warm water phase, suggesting approximately one in three trout will not survive capture in February, even when successfully released. We know February is the hottest month of the year, but weather can be changeable, so we can expect cooler days even at this time of year. Opening and closing the fishery on a daily basis centred around temperature was considered impractical. Feedback from the angling community confirmed this would create challenges, particularly for visitors planning trips. A February closure satisfies the need to protect trout during this vulnerable time while offering anglers and stakeholders’ clarity to plan. We will continue to carry out monitoring at Lake Otamangakau including gathering data from the spawning trap over winter. This will enable us to detect changes and adapt the new regulations if needed.  Lake Otamangakau fishery changes. Here is a reminder of all four regulation changes introduced this season:· The fishing season started a month earlier – 1 September.· The fishery will close to trout fishing during February – the hottest month of the year.· A maximum takeable size of 55 cm for trout – no minimum takeable size.· The bag limit is reduced to two trout.  Alternative locations. The Taupō Fishing District has a host of tempting alternative fishing spots for trout anglers in February. Rivers are an obvious choice. Cool, clear, oxygenated water found in Taupō rivers provides ideal conditions for trout. As for anglers, casting a dry fly to a rising fish can be an adrenalin filled experience. For those after a stillwater fishing fix, but seeking something a little more intimate than the Great Lake, perhaps Lake Rotoaira or Lake Kuratau could fit the bill? These lakes are both much deeper than Lake Otamangakau, so cooler oxygenated water offers released trout a better chance of recovery.· Check out the ‘Where to Fish’ page on our website>· Buy a fishing licence for Lake Rotoaira>  More information. The regulation changes at Lake Otamangakau have been extensively publicised, including coverage in all recent issues of Taupō Fishery Focus. If you missed out or would like to know more, head over to our website and catch up on previously released information. The following pages are a good place to start:· Media release about regulation changes, including why they were introduced: ‘New Regulations to future-proof iconic fishery’· A report analysing the scientific data and detailing management options: ‘Lake Otamangakau: Research update 2021’ |