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

At this time of year, fishing is quiet in some parts of the country, and thriving in others. Certainly the colder weather may dissuade the less serious from venturing out to the river or lake!

Fish & Game have been asked to participate in a national survey, commissioned by the government, about people’s use of freshwater areas for recreational purposes.

Surveys such as this are very important because they often form the basis for future policy, so please complete the survey here – it will only take about 15 minutes, and there is the added bonus that you could win a $100 sports voucher!

Now, around the regions....

It’s quiet in Northland right now (may be something to do with ducks!). 

Auckland / Waikato have some updates on fish releases and proposed rule changes, and also publish their regional newsbrief online for the first time.

Shoreline fishing is going well in the Eastern Region, who also report back on progress of the Ohau Channel Wall and fish numbers moving through the Te Wairoa trap.

Cold weather and rising rivers is the news from Hawke’s Bay, with the Mohaka the pick of the rivers right now. Improved access on the Mohaka and liberations into Lake Tutira are other local news items this month.

Intense rainfall on closing day in Taranaki did some damage to several ringplain waterways, but northern and southern streams are least affected. A few waters remain open and should offer some good opportunities. 

Winter fishing - Give it a go! Is the message from Wellington – some good fishing looks to be available. They also reflect on regulatory issues and a great season gone by.

Into the South Island....

Nelson Marlborough and North Canterbury have little to report at this time of year – staff in North Canterbury are busy with the Central Plains Water hearings, and we will report back with more on that key issue shortly. It is an issue for all NZ anglers, so if you want to be kept up to date, sign up for North Canterbury email updates.

On the West Coast, the news is that spawning surveys have defied pessimistic angler predictions – healthy numbers with excellent size are the results.

In the Central South Island, rain has brought only a brief respite from drought-like conditions, but Salmon spawning surveys have shown excellent numbers.

Otago have an update on the Nevis River and F&G’s application to amend the Kawerau Water Conservation Order. There will be a chance to make submissions shortly, and if you want to be kept in touch, please contact Niall Watson (n.watson@fish-game.org.nz). They also have an excellent treatise on river flows from DOC staff, and invite you to have your say on the 2008 / 09 Anglers Notice.

Down south, in Southland, it’s getting cold – time for fly tying and planning for the new season!

There are some fishing reports from around the country - use the menu to the left to see these.

Regular columnist Hugh Creasy once again evokes the spirit of all that is good in the countryside in At the end are the rainbows, whilst in The Idle thoughts of an idle editor, questions the wisdom of having skited regularly to friends in the UK of catching 70 pound trout in New Zealand!

Good fishing

Jerry

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