Fishing News index> December 2007

A thought for the Holidays

We are practically into Christmas and many of us are wondering where the time has gone. With the holidays nearly upon us many anglers will be busting to wet a line in their favourite local possies or travel the country in search of new waters.

The pressures of 52 weeks of work and modern living take its toll so any opportunity for peace and relaxation is treasured. Unfortunately many anglers and especially seasoned folk don’t utilise these periods to experience new waters. Local familiarity comes with a catch result and an air of success.

 Trout fishing is as much about solitude and the love of wild pristine places as is the act of landing a fish. Holiday breaks fill these needs but many find the over abundance of fellow anglers abit much to handle especially on the more accessible waters. Ever thought of exploring harder to reach remoter fisheries?

How many fellow anglers do you know of that chased trophy fish in our mountainous rivers and streams that required an aircraft flight? Not many we wager.

 Very few if any have experienced this and most would be absolutely flabbergasted at the boundless opportunity on offer. We try to explain away the financial burden to such adventures but as participants we are missing out on some wonderful areas.  The Oxford dictionary defines the word adventure as an “exciting experience” that sadly many choose to shy away from.

As a novice I personally spent a week fishing in the Central North Island Kaimanawa ranges and can tell others without hesitation that unless they have experiences similar to this then they haven’t yet trout fished!!
Access information, advice on tackle and technique are just a few of the things that limit your actions. Fish & Game regions have identified these key-limiting points and have been actively enhancing where possible. Take the first step by ringing your local regional office and requesting advice or simply get hold of the ample information available. We just happen to manage the best little fishery in the world except you just don’t know it yet!!!

The local scene 

Last issue we made mention of a first for our region which involved a pilot scheme to hold a competition for trout anglers in all northland waters except the Kai-Iwi Lakes.

The competition was successful given its small beginnings with 20 plus serious anglers vying for the sponsored prizes on offer. The catch rate was higher than 90% with fish weighed in ranging from 1 kilogram upwards. Not spectacular by New Zealand standards but never the less a good effort despite discoloured waters in most catchments from rain events the week before.

Of note from these catches was the heaviest fish landed which was caught in the new fishery, “Wilson’s Dam” near Ruakaka south of Whangarei.

This fishery promises to produce Browns of 3 kilo plus in the near future so is worth a visit. Local anglers have commented that they are harder to catch compared to the Rainbow but are certainly worthy opponents in that open water.

Our office is working in conjunction with the local District Council to research ways of allowing non motorised boats etc to use the reservoir which all going well will only enhance anglers chances. We will keep you posted.

Rivers and streams were clearing nicely especially in lower reaches but as this goes to print a week of spring rain will have inundated our region.
Chances are we are in for a cracker Xmas break weatherwise so watch the water colour in the low-lying farming areas. As soon as it gets a darkish colour it is a prime time to fish. Black water represents clear water and is the ideal time to start nymphing and dry fly angling. Good luck and hard strikes.

From the staff and Council in the Northland Fish & Game region, have a safe and merry Christmas break and holidays.

Nb: Our regional office will be closed through the Christmas break but enquiries can be directed to the office answering system which will be monitored daily.

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