Fishing: Great start to season for anglers

Wellington's Andrew Harding with a large brown trout caught in the Otaki River near the State Highway 1 overbridge.

Trout anglers in Kapiti are revelling in the best start to the freshwater fishing season in years.

The season began October 1 and while the previous four springs have been blighted by abysmal weather, this year conditions couldn't be any better.

Wellington Fish & Game manager Phil Teal said he was receiving encouraging reports from Kapiti anglers about the size of trout and the numbers that are around.

"We've noticed a surge in licence sales and this is likely to be a direct result of the great weather the district has been experiencing as well as the angling grapevine working overtime carrying news of very good catches."

He said the Waikanae River, the Otaki River as well as Horowhenua's Ohau River were all looking exceptional.

"And they're holding some very good trout, particularly in the lower reaches right now."
Mr Teal said the trout will be making the most of the plentiful food that is available in the estuaries and tidal reaches as they put on weight and condition after winter spawning.

"There must be plenty of food around because anglers are remarking how well conditioned the trout are so early in the season.

"The fact they're in the lower reaches in such good numbers, combined with the longer daylight hours, means the fishing is really accessible, even after work."

The trout will disperse more evenly throughout the Kapiti river systems as the season progresses, so Mr Teal said now and through the looming school holidays was a great time for families and kids to get in on the action.

People interested in learning where and how to fish are welcome to contact the Wellington Fish & Game council office.

Anglers must have a current fishing licence, and this is available free for under 12-year-old children.