Trout spawn in Winstone Lakes

Trout spawn in Winstone Lakes

Trout spawning in one of the Winstone Lakes is an encouraging sign that the lake might soon become a haven for anglers.

 Graham Evans, chair of the Kāpiti Fly Fishing Club, says the club is about to release some 2-year-old rainbow trout into one of the smaller lakes in preparation for the annual Take a Kid Fishing Weekend. The trout are released after an inlet into the large lake is blocked to raise the water level. After the weekend, the inlet is unblocked, and this is when Graham believes some of the fish that remain uncaught are moving throiugh into the larger lake, but returning to spawn when they mature some years later..

“There’s been some maintenance work around the lakes and we are told that pipes are being occasionally clogged with fingerlings about 4 inches [10cm] long,” he says. “Those fingerlings are going to grow into bigger fish.”

Quarry work is continuing around the lakes, but the lakes will in future become a prized recreation area for the public. They are currently used as training areas for canoe polo, waka ama and radio controlled boats. As the area is still a working quarry, the lake can’t be used as a fishery yet, but could be when Greater Wellington Regional Council gains control as planned.

The Kāpiti Fly Fishing Club has bought the new rainbow trout from a Ngogotaha hatchery, thanks to grants of $4150 each from New Zealand Community Trust and Pub Charity.

The Take a Kid Fishing Weekend, scheduled for the weekend of November 2-3, has been running since 2021 and it’s from those earlier releases that the spawning fish have come. At least 300 children last year tried their hand at catching the fish – for some it was the first time they picked up a rod.

With the lake well stocked, there’s a high chance they will catch a fish. All the gear is provided and experienced club members are on hand to help them, rostering groups of eight children for half an hour of fishing.

Any trout caught are gutted and bagged ready to take home.

“The kids love it,” Graham says. “They get a buzz out of catching something and then being able to take it home to cook.

“The club’s mission is to ensure every child has the chance to experience fishing in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.”

The Kāpiti Fly Fishing Club has more than 70 members based on the Kāpiti Coast.

The Take a Kid Fishing event has become a cherished fixture in the club’s calendar. The ripple effects of the weekend go beyond the event itself. Many parents describe it as a rare opportunity for children to step away from electronic devices and rediscover the joys of outdoors life.

Phil Teal, the chief executive of Wellington Fish & Game Council, says it’s a great opportunity for kids to get into the outdoors and connect with nature.

“While this is still not quite fishing out of a barrel, it provides an increased chance of success for their introduction to fishing.”

Registrations are required to participate in the weekend. They can be made at Hunting & Fishing Ōtaki. Registration at the event includes a fishing licence (free for children) and a certificate later confirming a catch – as well as the prize of fish for tea!