Taupō Fishery Focus.

Science – Lake Productivity Survey.
Predicting the future is a tricky business especially when we are talking about a dynamic natural system such as Lake Taupo. That said, reviewing the latest scientific data and referencing evolving trends can help the fishery team generate a picture of what is happening within the lake, and in doing so, anticipate how it might impact on trout.

Results from the bi-annual echo-sounding programme show that in April this year the productivity (made up primarily of plankton and smelt) in the southern end of Lake Taupo was very high, while the northern end was relatively poor. It is not unusual to see a north south split, however this year the southern end was particularly good, being the second highest since the monitoring started in 2010 – more >

Rainbows on the Move.
The number of Rainbow trout turning up in the spawning tributaries is growing, which suggests the main runs are not far away.

Last season we experienced a particularly good year with large numbers of big fish running early in the winter. This year has seen a return, to what has recently become a more typical pattern of later runs – more>

2018/2019 Licence.
For trout anglers in the Taupo region July 1 marked the start of a new trout fishing season – a date which heralds the imminent arrival of fresh run rainbow trout in local rivers. The new season also means new licences, so everyone fishing in the area will need a 2018/19 Taupo fishing licence. 

Annual fishing licences can be purchased from 25 June and are valid from 1 July 2018 to 30 June 2019. Costs remain unchanged – more>

Winter Wader Safety.
Fishery Rangers recently put wader safety advice to the test by deliberately falling in the Tongariro River!

Fly-fishers are often tempted to wade out a bit deeper to reach a favoured trout lie or make a river crossing to get to a better spot. Routine actions perhaps, but it pays to be mindful of safety, especially at this time of year when river flows can be variable and water temperatures colder – read about safe wading >

Fly-fishing techniques for newbies.
Complex terminology and fishing methods can be overwhelming for newcomers to fly-fishing. They hear about aftm weights, tippet diameter, line tapers… not to mention techniques such as ‘Czech nymphing’ and ‘Skagit’!

What new anglers need is a clear, simple introduction – such as the Fishery Management Team video clips on YouTube:

• nymph fishing >
• wet fly fishing >

Target Taupo Online.
A wealth of Taupo trout fishery information is now available to all. The entire back catalogue of Target Taupo magazine is available as an online resource.

Many of the articles remain highly relevant, providing readers with a rich understanding of the biology of the fishery and how trout behave in this premium environment – more>

Drift dives underway.
The Fishery Management Team recently began the annual drift dive programme, where fishery rangers jump into their wetsuits and enter rivers to count the number of trout present.

Data is still being collected so conclusions are not yet available, however this snapshot points to a typical situation at this time of year, where the main spawning runs are yet to occur – more>

Send us your photos and stories.
Steve O’Halloran landed this great conditioned 6ib 4 Rainbow jack on the TT in mid July.

Have you photographed a good fish or captured an awesome fishing moment? Want to see it featured? Simply send your photographs and a bit of background info to us. Message us on Facebook or send an email to the editor>