Fishing News index> March 2008

Fishing News

We are now well into March and as expected the cooler autumn temperatures have arrived. For most in the North this is a welcome relief and means that the region will dodge the draught conditions experienced further south.

Despite the desperate climatic conditions experienced south of our regional boundary northlands weather has been bountiful. Great rainfall to sunlight ratios has ensured that our rivers and streams have remained at good levels, which should have provided adequate protection for Trout during the warmer summer weeks. Pre winter fish survival rates will be high which means good news for the following season.

Unfortunately northlands steep short catchment ranges cause dramatic flash flooding in heavy rainfall periods so fingered crossed that the usual April, May flows are less intense and fish friendly. 

Angler prospects have been good with clean waters in between the odd fresh.

Although angler reports have been scattered as reported last issue the dedicated few have been doing okay. Success rates have been good as well as fish numbers encountered. Larger waters seem to be holding better numbers of fish and pre dusk feeding activity seems to be the time to target better specimens.

As is usual for northland we can expect increased angler activity as temperatures cool and salt-water activity slows.

On a more serious note is the report to our office of illegal netting activity, which has been, witnessed on our newest fishery the Wilson’s Dam near Ruakaka.

Unfortunately as is usually the case we receive these reports often well after the event.

This type of behaviour is extremely damaging to put and take fisheries as large numbers of fish are easily targeted especially during the hours of darkness.

If anglers observe this type of behaviour please make every attempt to contact our regional staff through our office as catching these people is a high priority.

Often the culprit’s act during odd hours so contacting us can be difficult.
Information received is treated with confidence and every effort is made to follow up on reports. Apprehension of guilty parties is usually difficult but those caught can expect heavy penalties and confiscation of gear.

On a brighter note anglers used to reservoir/lake fishing will be primed as the not to distant period is fast approaching when they dust off their gear.

A large percentage of Northland anglers spend a high proportion of their time fishing these areas so it is no wonder that activity reports are based on our cooler months.

Next month will have a report on river fishing in the Kaimanawa ranges when an annual pilgrimage south for deer unfolds. Until then good luck and good fishing.

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