Get Your Fishing Rods Ready!

Waikato RiverCare is proud to announce its support of the 2015 Kilwell Lower Waikato River Trout Fishing Contest. The competition will take place over nine days in October and sees prizes awarded to anglers for “Heaviest Brown Trout”, “Heaviest Rainbow Trout”, and “Best Condition Trout”, including loads of mystery and spot prizes. The main prize is a $1,000 weekend for two in Waihi Beach and includes accommodation, meals and activities!

The competition is open to all Fish and Game licence holders with categories for Men, Lady and Junior (17 & under) anglers. In previous years up to 80 anglers have lined the banks of the lower Waikato River trying their luck at catching the elusive and cunning trout of the lower Waikato River. In 2013 anglers caught over 100 trout from the river during the fishing competition

2013 Competitor, Cooper O'Hara with his 1.39kg trout and proud Nana

Credit: William Van Zyl, 2013

Competition organisers will hold a free workshop on Saturday 10th October at the Tainui Bridge carpark (West side). Members of the public are encouraged to come to the park between 1-3pm and chat with expert anglers on fishing in the lower Waikato River and to learn new techniques for the processing and cooking of your catch. There will be smokers set up so you can taste the fresh cooked trout!

Waikato RiverCare has for the last 16 years worked closely with communities, landowners and government agencies on the lower Waikato River promoting stock exclusion from the river and the establishment of riparian projects. Waikato RiverCare’s work provides direct benefits to the river’s health and wellbeing including improved water quality, flood protection and wildlife habitat.

[endif]--This year Waikato RiverCare is providing native plants to the Kilwell Lower Waikato River Trout Fishing Competition for all junior anglers and category winners in an effort to encourage more riparian planting on the river. Anglers planting today will improve the future biodiversity and production of the river providing lasting benefits for both sports fish and the native fishery. To learn more about riparian planting and Waikato RiverCare visit www.waikatorivercare.co.nz To enter the Trout Fishing Contest, you can pick up an entry form from Sweetman’s Reel Fishin’ Huntly, visit www.reel-fishin.com to complete a form online, or find one here. ![endif]--