....... to the April 2008 edition of Reel Life.

Congratulations to the NZ team in the recent World FlyFishing Championships – they finished second, just behind the Czechs. Competitors from all over the world made a lot of great comments about both the waters they fished in and the quality of fish caught.

A discussion document about the possibility of banning felt-soled waders has recently been published and comment is invited, so have a read through and tell us what you think (reellife@inbox.net.nz).

Fishing is winding down on many waters in Northland, although the condition of recently caught fish bodes well for the winter angler.

In the Auckland / Waikato region, the Lake Pupuke fishing competition takes place on the 4th May; entry is free so go along. Meanwhile, rivers in the region are rapidly clearing after the recent rains.

The colder, wetter conditions means things are hotting up in the Eastern Region at the Rotorua Lakes. They also report back on fish coming through the traps, and access work on the Rangitaiki. 

It's been a great summer of fishing in Hawke's Bay, with all the main rivers producing outstanding returns; it's showing no signs of abating, so come fishing is the message from regional F&G staff.

Reasonable freshes are reported from Taranaki after the downpour, and although many waters will soon be closing, there are some opportunities for great winter fishing, notably Lakes Mangamahoe and Opunaki which have been fishing well recently.

Great fishing continues is the message from Wellington. Good sized brown trout have been landed inside the city boundaries of Palmerston North, and the mid Rangitikei continues to be productive.

Nelson / Marlborough report the surprising but pleasing news that the Motueka has been relatively free from Didymo this summer – after much of it was washed away by two large floods.

A generally positive farmer response to the F&G stock crossing policy is good News on the West Coast. Fishing is winding down, but a few opportunities remain to pick off some congregating fish in big water tributaries.

North Canterbury has a comprehensive report on activities in the region during the last month - including news on coarse fish removal, salmon and trout releases and ther lastest update on resource consents.

A generally good season is the overall conclusion from Central South Island. On the positive side, the resurgence of Sockeye Salmon is great news, whilst on the negative, Didymo has appeared in the Otematata river.

Snow in Southland has had a positive effect on the Mataura, but may have disuaded some anglers! Despite the low flows didymo has not been too much of a problem in most of the rivers although it is spoiling the Waiau.

In our regular columns, Hugh Creasy returns with another evocative episode of At the end are the rainbows, whilst The Idle Thoughts of an Idle Editor turns to flyfishing the world - online!

Good fishing

Jerry

Jerry Flay, Editor, Reel Life
reellife@inbox.net.nz