Fishing News index> January 2008

SALMON FEVER BUILDING

After the 2007 salmon season when fish turned up almost everywhere south of the Grey River, enhanced angler interest in the prospects for 2008 was inevitable.

Fish & Game Reports on what transpired to be a record spawning run at Lake Mapourika fuelled the fire further and with the first few salmon just beginning to show, the customary influx of anglers has begun. 

For anglers yet to experience lake fishing for salmon in Westland, picture this scene.

It is perhaps half an hour after daylight. The surface of the lake faintly reflects the tall native forest on the Western margin against an inky black background.

 The boat wake is barely discernable through the early morning mist and causes the only ripple on the mirror-like face of the lake. Bellbirds and tui calls greet the day, the only other sound being the quiet burble of the trolling motor

As you are wondering at the sheer peacefulness and beauty of the place, ahead of the boat the head and shoulders of a large salmon silently emerge, to be followed by a thick silver body and broad flat tail. The typical ‘porpoise’ manoeuvre is accomplished soundlessly and with barely a ripple.

If this sight doesn’t get the angler’s blood pumping he or she may already be dead!

The salmon landed from Mapourika so far have been in the 12 – 18lb bracket and reportedly in very good condition. Angler surveys conducted on the third weekend in January indicated sufficient sea-run fish in the lake to keep anglers on their toes but sadly for those fortunate enough to connect with a fish, there were more lost than landed. Lake Paringa has not yet begun to fire but with salmon catches reported at the river-mouth it will not be long.

In the course of the 2008 season Fish & Game will be conducting surveys so as assess the level of effort and use by salmon anglers of south Westland lakes, and the breakdown of users by residence. Any catch information that anglers choose to provide will also be much appreciated because it will assist in the future management of these increasingly valuable fisheries

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