Fish stocks point to healthy waters

Wairarapa anglers have measured, weighed, tagged and released about 200 brown and rainbow trout in a scheme aiming to draw deeper insights into the state of river systems.

Phil Teal, Wellington Fish & Game regional manager, said anglers have recaptured a half dozen of the tagged trout in Wairarapa waters, which has been found to be home to a healthy fish population.

"The numbers in the Ruamahanga [River] are encouraging and that's mirrored in the numbers that have been tagged so far.

"It's been good spawning for the last couple of years and flood control hasn't been disturbing to their habitat, which is key."

With the dry weather and river levels down, fish were hunkering down in pools and vegetated areas. "We've found in Wairarapa waters there's not just one or two fish per kilometre but a good number pooling together," he said.

Under the scheme, trout are marked with a small numbered tag, and their length and weight noted.

"If and when they are caught again, we'll have information on how far they have travelled and the growth rates for that particular river."

Mr Teal said this provides valuable information about the health of the river system as trout are a key indicator species of good water quality.

There had been predominantly brown trout tagged. Fishermen in the region have been perfecting their catch, tag and release skills to a fine degree, he said, and will be helping tag fish further north in Rangitikei waters later this year or next year.

"It may not be too popular with their wives with them going out fishing more often, but Wairarapa anglers have been great in getting behind the project," Mr Teal said.

The trout tagging is being carried out in the Manawatu, Ruamahanga, and Rangitikei river catchments. "So far, local anglers have already tagged a few hundred fish, so we're very appreciative of their efforts. I think it might actually give them an extra excuse to head off fishing."

Wellington Fish & Game is keen to hear from any anglers who catch one of the tagged trout together with accurate information on length, weight and where it was caught. The tags may be identified by a small yellow tag with an individual number.

For more information or to report a tagged catch call 04 499 4767 or email nzcouncil@fishandgame.org.nz.