May 2026
The Waipa Stream fish trap was recommissioned in May, enabling Fishery Rangers to collect data about trout spawning migration patterns. This important work allows consistent data collection across multiple years at this important Tongariro River headwater stream.
Rainfall was very low this year with only 52 mm recorded at the site of the fish trap throughout May. There were no flood events.
Brown trout spawn early but limited rainfall and reduced flow rates likely impacted the numbers reaching this headwater stream. Fishery rangers processed only 35 browns, which is higher than the 23 trapped last year but much lower compared to 80 fish recorded in both 2022 and 2023. Overall, browns averaged 558 mm in length and 2.2 kg in weight. These figures are slightly down on last season and well below the exceptional fish encountered in 2022, where browns averaged 607 mm and 3 kg respectively.
The rainbow trout numbers trapped this year also reflect the reduced flow rates. Only 36 fish were recorded compared to the 71 processed last year. Rainbows averaged 478 mm and 1.23 kg which is slightly below last years figures but significantly down on the solid fish trapped during May 2022 (531 mm and 1.9 kg).
We will continue to publish updates from the Waipa Stream fish trap throughout the winter season.