Northland > Fishing Regulations

Angling regulations are updated annually. Each region has specific regulations for individual rivers and lakes within the framework of national angling regulations.

Northland

Northland has a temperate climate with summer water temperatures often above the optimum range preferred by trout. As a result freshwater fishing is to some extent limited compared to other regions. The Northland Fish and Game Council have liberal regulations providing maximum fishing opportunity for different types of angling experience. The region has numerous small river and stream fisheries that hold rainbow and brown trout. Rainbows are inclined to be the dominant species as they are able to tolerate the warmer water temperatures. Fly and spin fishing are the only methods allowed in Northland’s river fisheries. The rivers have an open season from 1st October to 30th April each year, except for the Wairua River which is open to fishing all year round.

Many of the headwater streams in the region are heavily wooded along the banks which keeps the water cooler in the summer months. Angler pressure on these streams is low, offering a semi-wilderness experience. Angler access to most rivers in Northland requires permission from the individual landowner before you can cross their properties. Landowners are only too willing to grant approval providing you seek prior permission, shut the gates and do not disturb stock.

Early spring, late autumn and the winter offers the best freshwater angling in Northland’s lakes and reservoirs when the trout become more energetic in the cooler surface waters. Northland Fish and Game undertakes an annual stocking programme of hatchery reared trout into two natural lakes and three artificial reservoirs to provide further angling opportunities. Bait fishing and trolling are allowed in the lakes and reservoirs which are open to angling for 12 months.

Several angler access guides are available through the Council office and on the regions webpage www.fishandgame.org.nz.

When fishing in the Northland region, please ensure you are aware of and adhere to local regulations at all times.

2008/2009 regulations for Northland

Reference to Description: New ZealandGazette, No. 83, 24 May 1990, page 1861

1. DEFINITIONS

See First Schedule.

2. OPEN SEASON

2.1 All lakes and reservoirs in region All year

2.2 Wairua River (excluding tributaries) downstream from the
confluence of the Waiotu and Whakapara Rivers All year

2.3 All rivers and streams in region 1 October to 30 April

3. CLOSED WATERS

No restrictions.

4. AUTHORISED TACKLE

See First Schedule.

5. FLY FISHING ONLY WATERS

No restrictions.

6. BAIT FISHING WATERS

6.1 Bait fishing (as defined in the First Schedule) is permitted in all lakes and reservoirs.

6.2 Bait fishing is permitted in the Waitangi River only when fishing for tench.

7. COARSE FISHING WATERS

7.1 The only public coarse fishing water in the Northland Region is the Waitangi River and its tributaries.

8. USE OF BOATS

8.1 Anglers trolling from boats must stay at least 50m from any anglers fishing from the shore.

9. DAILY BAG LIMITS

9.1 All Rivers and Streams except the Waipapa, Mangapa and Victoria Rivers

No licence holder shall on any one day kill more than two trout.

There is no daily bag limit for tench or perch.

9.2 Waipapa, Mangapa and Victoria Rivers and any tributaries of these rivers.

No licence holder shall on any one day kill more than one trout.

9.3 All Lakes and Reservoirs

No licence holder shall on any one day kill more than three trout.

There is no daily bag limit for tench or perch.

10. FISH LENGTH

10.1 The minimum length for trout 300mm

10.2 The minimum length for tench or perch No limit

To see the latest regulations for all of the North Island (excluding Taupo where fishing is administered by DOC) and South Island, please download the PDFs below.

North Island / South Island