Fishing News index > January 2007

Crystal Ball proves reliable

Chris Tonkin, Regional Manager

It does not happen to me very often so when predictions hold good it’s unusually gratifying.
Readers of the December 06 epistle from the ‘Coast will recall that the forecast onset of el-nino was expected to bring stronger than average south-westerly airflows over the country. Rainfall was expected to be normal or below normal in all regions except the west of the South Island, where above normal rainfall was expected.
We predicted that rivers and spring-fed catchments would not suffer from the low flows and increased water temperatures normally associated with summer conditions, and that consistently cooler water temperatures would encourage trout to feed for longer periods as opposed to the usual flurry of activity around dawn and dusk.

And so it came to pass. That is until the first days of the New Year, when every evening the TV weather reporter declared Westland the “place to be.”
Holiday anglers fair lapped it up, especially those at the lakes where the fortunate combination of sunny days, healthy lake levels and co-operative fish made every outing a winner. As predicted South Westland river mouths also fished well, with the appearance of Kahawai here and there often providing an unexpected adrenaline rush.

January weather has so far been dominated by warm and humid light north easterly conditions, just perfect for almost every fishing scenario, although dull overcast does not always assist with sighted fishing in bush fringed streams, but you can’t have everything
Generally all our rivers are currently in good condition with sparse algal growth and good numbers of fish. During February / March the upland and headwater fisheries come into their own and with cicadas and mice on the menu anglers can expect to be dealing with some big active fish.

A further forthcoming highlight will be the appearance of sea-run salmon – indeed there have already been tantalising reports from southern parts – however as with whitebait runs you believe nothing of what you hear and about half of what you see. The proof of the salmon’s arrival is when you have one flapping on the bank.

Apart from the Buller River ‘Coast waters are still Didymo free and our thanks go out to the vast majority of anglers who are practising the ‘check, clean and dry advice. Please keep it up.

Chris Tonkin