Great Lake Taupo, great place to fish

Date:  22 March 2013

 Anglers fishing on Lake Taupo this summer have experienced some of the best fishing for some time - the trout have been abundant and in great condition. The long and settled weather has also created ideal boating and fishing conditions for those venturing out onto the Great Lake.

This summer the overall catch rate collected from anglers surveyed, was 1 legal sized trout every 2.5 hours. This is a vast improvement on the 1 fish every 3.5 hours from previous years.

Mark Venman, Programme Manager for the Department of Conservation says “Trout have not only been more plentiful this summer, but they have been larger, heavier and in better condition than last season, continuing an improving trend observed over recent years within the Taupo Fishery”.

Having made the most of the improved smelt numbers, trout caught over the past month have averaged 461 mm and 1.14 kg (2.5 lbs) with an average condition factor of 42.2. The fish kept by anglers overall this summer have averaged 452 mm and 1.1 kg with a condition factor of 43. Again, an improvement compared to last summer.

“It has been encouraging to see some very well conditioned fish in the 1.5-2 kg range (3.5 - 4.5l bs) appearing amongst angler catches. Anglers certainly seem much happier this summer” Mark says.

This all bodes well for the Easter break and upcoming winter fishing as trout will continue to feed and grow prior to their spawning runs (April to November). Anglers can expect good fishing by jigging or down rigging in depths over 30 metres. Any significant rainfall will start to push spawning fish into the rivers over the coming months. Rivers such as the Hinemaiaia and Waitahanui will be worth a look early in the season.

Make the most of the settled weather forecast for Easter and enjoy some great fishing!

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