Fishing News index>October 2007

Fishing News
 
Spring has arrived and with it the many opportunities to fish the streams and rivers that were closed over the Autumn/Winter months.

Unfortunately for Northland licence holders the winter months were deluged with unprecedented floods, the like of which had not been seen in the recent past. This can only have horrific effects on spawning fish and their young. Despite these trials the fish do survive and the life cycle continues.

This may however result in a slight reduction future fish stocks for a couple of seasons.

With all waters now open and at the angler’s disposal opportunities are increased especially as air temperatures rise and insect activity bounces into life. Dusting off your dry fly gear is the order of the day and is very effective with the early insect hatches.

Fish are extremely active as they seek valuable protein to recover from their spawning cycle and gain weight. A great time to target larger specimens that have been spotted, as they tend to let their guard down in order to actively feed!

A local angler (who shall remain nameless) that targets Browns in several of our more prominent Brown trout streams/rivers has passed comment on the quality, size and numbers of fish he has spotted prior to the season opening. His comments centred on the abundance of these fish, especially those over the eight pound mark. He would know as he lands and releases these bombers regularly during a season. This angler is running an angler diary on his catches for our office so we can monitor these fish.

Angler reports have been slow with the new season but will improve as the region is holding a trout fishing competition next month. This event is being organised by two prominent Northland anglers with help from Fish & Game and various sponsors.

The event promises to be interesting and will be centred on anglers fishing all waters except the Kai Iwi lakes where our traditional regional competition is held.

The competition is a one-day event to be held on the 17th November 2007 and prizes will reflect on effort for that day. This event is open to all anglers and those interested should contact the Northland Fish & Games office during working hours or email northlandf.g@clear.net.nz for a registration form.
Tickets cost:  Adult $25.00 Junior $15.00

Our regional 2007 fishing Magazine supplement outlined the catch reports from the regions new (3 years old) Brown Trout fishery, Wilson’s Dam near Ruakaka.

Judging by angler feedback this water promises to be a ripper for future prospecting.

Specimens of 2 plus kilograms have already been landed with others being smashed off after runs and jumping displays.

Judging by the reservoirs food supply we may well expect fish of a larger size to emerge over the next season or two.

Dawn and twilight angling excursions would be key time slots to targeting these fish as they stalk the margins. Our office will keep anglers posted with this fisheries progress.

Anglers who have yet to fish our Northland waters will be pleasantly surprised with the opportunities and accessible waters available. Our Council have a varied collection of angler access pamphlets available which are freely available by request or by checking out the Northland section on the Fish & Game webpage. www.fishandgame.org.nz

Until next month! Good fishing.

Back to Reel Life