Fishing News index > January 2007

Northland Fish & Game Council Regional Roundup

We hope every one had a happy new year and a festive Christmas holidays.
As we turn the page on another year one can only wonder at the new years hunting and fishing prospects. With talk of global warming and the effects on wildlife one can only ponder at the future for our sporting and outdoor recreational needs.
We are a large sector of the New Zealand community who utilise the great outdoors so we could be considered ambassadors for the outdoors. Whilst we may be hunter fisher folk we are also primarily conservationists who notice change and threats to the ecosystems we use.
Global warming is our greatest threat but just maybe we can invoke change by rattling our politician’s ears. Although we are only small grains of sand on our own we can be become a mighty sand dune with a collective voice if we work together.

Fishing News

The summers heat has reached us with a vengeance as the mercury’s been steadily climbing. Long hot summer days and longer daylight hours means a little more time for recreation, especially fishing when that after work excursion now has some merit.

Rivers and streams will be in full activity as the insect community bursts into life with their reproduction cycles. Cool clear water and sight fishing is the name of the game at present and presents the true challenge to the purist angler.
Upper tributaries with deep tree lined pools will be the best opportunity for sight fishing however mid morning early evening is generally the best time to spot fish in shallower riffles and runs.
Northland fish respond well to small nymphs entering runs or pools, as our water velocities are generally slower than further south. A well-presented dry fly also has great effect when mid day temperatures are high as insect activity is usually at its most abundant. Reports have been non descript at the time of writing but we suspect that people are still enjoying their Xmas break.
On the lake and reservoir front fishing has still been sparking.
Anglers have been doing well with success at the Whau Valley dam with fish up to 2 kg, which have been taken with regularity.
Other waters should be showing similar results except the Kai-Iwi Lakes, which has a large contingent of holidaymakers and boats in attendance.
Early morning and evening fishing will show results here when the lake is silent and still. Fish will swim the shallower margins in search of spawning bullies but usually under the cover of darkness.
When the year gets back into full swing we can expect more catch reports but until then have a great 2007.

Hunting News

With the hunting just months away those eager with anticipation will be pleased as
species numbers are in good stock.
All bird species appear to be thriving with marked increases notices for upland game.
Pre 2007 climatic conditions were ideal for breeding opportunities and as expected mortality rates were low. Pleasing for hunters who live for the shooting, not so good if you wear feathers.
Waterfowl numbers appear to be very stable with broods of ducks still appearing in mid January. Perhaps the Mallard duck has introduced a reproduction cycle that is far exceeding the grey. Other birdlife has been expanding especially the shelduck, with our office receiving several distress calls from the farming community for crop damage. Bird scaring guns solve this problem effectively and will no doubt help retain numbers for the special February hunt.

Without chancing fate one could consider that opening 2007 will be a great season and hunters can look forward to some great experiences.
Get prepared early and get your gear up to scratch as the clock winds closer to that 6.30 start and those smokin barrels.