![]() Taupō Fishery Focus.By trout anglers for trout anglers.Issue 2 – October 2018. This edition celebrates the opening of Lake Otamangakau. We reference new angler tracks designed to create more opportunities for bank fishing, provide a view of the lake through a high flying polarised lens, and introduce plans for a new scientific study that aims to gather data about trout survival rates. October also marks fresh opportunities for fly anglers outside the Taupo region, however recent spawning trap data confirms that large numbers of trout continue to enter our rivers, so anglers may want to stick around for a while! In addition we consider the role of catch and release in the Taupo region, draw attention to an on-going koura project, point to an educational video about the trout hatchery and reflect on a classic story from former All Black winger Graham Thorne. Finally, the angling community has been processing the implications of the Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill. With that in mind we’ve included some information we hope you might find useful. Where concerns still exist, we encourage anglers to participate in the democratic process and make a submission to the Select Committee. We look forward to developing this e-newsletter over time and welcome your ideas and feedback. James Barnett Lake Otamangakau open. 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. Trout runs grow in Spring. ![]() Trout survival study. 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. Harvest or catch and release. Koura monitoring 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. 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> Conservation Amendment Bill. A classic story. Send us your photos and stories. If you’d like to share your images or stories just message us on Facebook or send an email to the editor> Get the most up-to-date information directly from the Taupo Fishery Facebook page. Earlier editions of Taupo Fishery Focus can be accessed online. |