....... To the October 09 edition of Reel Life from Fish & Game NZ.

Wild Rivers Campaign - Conservation and recreation groups unite to protect wild rivers.
Fish & Game NZ, along with seven other leading conservation and outdoor recreation groups, have combined to fight for New Zealand’s wild rivers. The campaign comes in the wake of plans for a large hydro dam on the West Coast’s pristine Mokihinui River, irrigation water storage dams on Canterbury’s Hurunui River and indications that the Government is considering scrapping water conservation orders nationwide. The eight organisations, representing more than 100,000 New Zealanders, are united in calling for stronger protection for New Zealand’s remaining wild rivers. More

Voting is now open for the regional Fish & Game Council Elections – you can see full candidate details here. As with any election, only those who vote have a voice, so if policy and governance of freshwater, the natural environment and angling and hunting in your region is important to you, please ensure you have your say. Voting closes November 17.

Getting Started in Trout Fishing? F&G have prepared a great starter kit - a book, DVD and CD which provide all that valuable info needed to make trout fishing productive in the early stages.

New on site this month are some F&G media releases including one headlined Protected waterways up for grabs? Once again this underlines the importance of the role played by F&G in protecting our waterways.

We also preview a new book on trout fishing in the North Island which looks well worth a read (and it's waterproof!).

Finally.... For the coarse anglers amongst you, and those interested to follow the fortune of kiwi anglers abroad, here’s a story of interest!

Here’s a summary of this month's news from around the Fish & Game regions - just follow the links at the end of each region to see the full article:

Northland: Local headwater fisheries are holding good fish numbers. Staff have been busy doing the annual angler access signage maintenance rounds. The local regional council has relocated to new premises. More

Auckland: Conditions have been difficult with no shortage of rain and wind. It is a good time to fish the Waikato River – read about how to target brownies in the Waikato. Details on the upcoming Huntly fishing competition. An application by the Matamata-Piako District Council to continue to discharge “treated” sewage into the Piako River. More

Eastern: Yet another grand opening day on the Rotorua lakes. Anglers at the Ohau Channel call it “the best ever”. November is month when Rotorua’s brown trout seem to be ‘targetable’ by trolling boat fishers. Detail son compliance in the region. More

Hawke’s Bay: The amount of rain this month has been unbelievable.  Low pressure on rivers. Lake Tutira should be fishing well. More

Wellington: Access signage throughout the region is being updated. Mixed results on local rivers in mixed weather. Resource management issues in the region. Open days for young anglers. Back country fishing licence for the Rangitikei River above Springvale. More

Into the South Island...

Nelson / Marlborough: Early rain dampens opening day fishing. Acheron Road to be opened up to allow additional fishing opportunities early in the season. Staff have been busy preparing for the Wairau Environment Court hearing. More

North Canterbury: Lake Coleridge fishing competition next weekend. Isaacs Salmon Hatchery Proposal. Update on local resource consents issues including Hurunui. Take a kid fishing day a great success. More

West Coast: Overall  a patchy start to the season – some great fishing nin between showers.  Enhancing sportsfisheries. Fencing wetlands. Rough River Backcountry Angler Survey. Honorary Ranger Review. Submission on proposed Marine Reserve. More

Central South Island: Anglers doing very well in first few days despite mixed weather.  Analysis of 2008 angler diaries. Salmon catch rates for the Rangitata and Rakaia Rivers improved again. More

Otago: Surplus hatchery broodstock released in local reservoirs. Nevis Wild River Day – Sunday 29th November 2009. Recent angling and hunting prosecutions bring eye-watering fines. Boat Safety on big southern lakes. Pomohaka River Water Quality deteriorating. More

Southland: Fishing conditions so far this season have been  ideal. Details on local opening regulations. More

Fishing Reports: This month we hear from Joan Ryder in the Eastern Region, Will Spry in Mackenzie Country, Graeme Marshall in South Canterbury, Charles Teasdale on the West Coast and Richard Grimmett in Wanaka.

Angling clubs around the country have published their most recent newsletters, many of which can be found at: http://www.fishandgame.org.nz/Site/Features/AnglingClubNewsletters.aspx - if you publish a club newsletter you would like hosted on this page, just let me know.

Hugh Creasy takes a moment or two to reflect on the power of nature over man, whilst hauling in the ten pounders, in this month's At the end are the rainbows.

Finally, if, like myself, you are struggling for river time, then worry no more. This month's idle thoughts of an idle editor reveals a cunning plan you are all welcome to borrow.

Enjoy the new season!

Jerry

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