Taupō Fishery Focus.

Lake Otamangakau open.
October marks the opening of Lake Otamangakau and there will be plenty of hungry trout looking to pack on weight following the trials of spawning.

Over winter the Taupo Fishery Management Team has worked with stakeholders on facility upgrades including scoping out opportunities for new tracks around the lake. The aim is to increase access for shore-based anglers. The first of these tracks is nearing completion and follows the Northern arm of the lake, reopening areas that were previously accessed from the forestry road – more>

Through a polarized lens.
To celebrate the opening of Lake Otamangakau  we posted a video clip taken from a drone equipped with a camera and polarized lens… those weedbeds will hold a smorgasbord of food for big hungry trout! – more>

Trout runs grow in Spring.
A recent wet spell prompted the biggest run of trout we’ve encountered so far this season in the Waipa trap. A Fishery Ranger arrived at the trap on the Waipa Stream high in the Tongariro catchment last Friday morning, to discover 45 fresh-run rainbow trout had entered the upstream pen overnight. Sizes varied but the larger fish were in particularly good condition – a consistent feature this year – more>

Trout survival study.
Interest has been growing around the potential survival rates of trout that have been released following capture at Lake O. To help clarify the situation the Fishery Management Team plans to carry out a study this summer to gather data.

We will be looking for anglers to support this work by catching trout! So let us know if you might be interested in helping out.

Spawning trout video.
If the data is not compelling enough how about a stunning video clip taken in the last few weeks showing a group of Taupo Rainbow trout in ‘spawning mode’ – more>

Harvest or catch and release.
The Taupo Fishery Management Team considers the overall health of the fishery and seeks to encourage anglers to feel confident that harvesting trout from lake Taupo is a good thing to do. Not only will you benefit from eating great tasting trout, but you will also be contributing to the long-term sustainability of your fishery – full article>

Koura monitoring project.
Recreational users on Lake Taupō should be aware of the new buoys linked to a new project.

The Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and several local Marae have begun a kōura monitoring project on Lake Taupō. The DOC Fishery Management team has been helping. The project involves setting tau (a traditional harvesting technique – more>

Hatchery – trout stripping.
Rainbow Trout spawning is well underway, so Fishery Rangers have been busy stripping trout for the hatchery.

The hatchery is located at the Tongariro National Trout Centre in Turangi and performs an important role providing fish for the children’s ‘fish-out pond.’ This is where the next generation of trout anglers get to experience the thrill of catching their first trout. Hatchery reared fish also have a secondary role, acting as a safety net to restock waterways in the event of a natural disaster – more>

• video clip on YouTube>

Conservation Amendment Bill.
Taupo Fishery Manager Dave Conley said, “As managers of one of the largest sports fisheries in the country, we do not see the Bill as a threat to trout fishing in the Taupo fishery, and believe it will not impact on anglers – they will still be subject to the normal Taupo Fishery Regulations that determine where, when and how trout can be caught.” – more>

A classic story.
We’d like to thank former All Blacks player Grahame Thorne for sharing a classic Taupo fishing story: In 1983, the British Lions (before they were called the British and Irish Lions) toured NZ. At that time there was a news magazine show on TV1 which aired at 7pm, hosted by Helen Dawson – it was to become the forerunner of Holmes and all the news magazine style shows that followed – more>

Send us your photos and stories.
Traditional lake fishing methods deliver the goods, as illustrated by this great photo sent to us by Phil Stephens. The 8.4lb Brown jack measured 70cms and was caught by Ben Stephens while trolling in Lake Taupo. Ben is understandably pleased with his efforts!

If you’d like to share your images or stories just message us on Facebook or send an email to the editor>