Reel Life March 2025 - Northland

Conditions Update

Another prolonged dry spell has seen Northland move into drought conditions. Some of the rivers are running very low, particularly on the western side of the region which has suffered the most in terms of low rainfall. We are still receiving reports of trout being caught, although this is in the eastern areas where the drought has not hit as hard.

The reservoirs are still at reasonable levels considering the lack of rainfall, although they are steadily dropping as the demand for water exceeds inflow. Weed around the edges can make fishing difficult in these conditions, so find areas where the bank drops away steeply and there is less weed around the waters edge interfering with casting.

If you are heading out to fish rivers and streams it would pay to stick to the eastern catchments. The above image from Northland Regional Council shows that rivers in the east are still at or around normal flows for this time of year. The shaded tributaries of the Wairua (Waiotu, Kaimamaku, Mangahahuru) and the Bay of Islands streams (Kerikeri, Puketotara, Waipapa) will give the best chance of success.

We need your help!!

Keep sending in those fish photos. It’s good to see what Northland is producing. Weight and length information would also be appreciated for research purposes.

Winter licences now available

Winter licences are now available for those who like to fish the cooler months. Winter licences allow you to fish anywhere in New Zealand outside the Taupo fishery between 01 April and 30 September inclusive.

With Northlands streams and reservoirs now being open all year round there is no shortage of opportunity to get plenty of fishing done.

For more information about licences check out our website: www.fishandgame.org.nz