Reel Life March 2025 - West Coast

Late-Season Fishing Opportunities

March and April offer some of the best opportunities to get outside and explore. As summer winds down and autumn ushers in cooler temperatures, it is the perfect time for trout fishing. By April, trout are often in peak condition, having fed and gained condition throughout the summer in preparation for their upcoming spawn.

Image above: Harrison finding success on Lake Brunner with a woolly bugger in choppy conditions.

Trout fishing in the lakes improves significantly in April as the cooler weather brings water temperatures back into the ideal range for trout. Perch fishing remains strong as well, with anglers consistently reporting good catches, particularly in the Hokitika lakes, where fish are plentiful.

Salmon fishing in the rivers can be productive throughout April, with many fish making their final dash to the spawning grounds during Autumn freshes. However, keep in mind that the Okarito River, Windbag Stream, and lakes Ianthe, Mapourika, Paringa, and Moeraki close for salmon fishing on March 31st.

A promising salmon hole ready for some late season fishing.

This season has shown promise, with signs of improvement compared to last year. It has been fantastic to see anglers practicing catch and release of salmon to aid in the recovery of the salmon fishery. We remain hopeful for further recovery and larger fish in the coming seasons, as salmon numbers continue to rise, bolstered by favourable sea conditions. The salmon management review completed 2023 highlighted the critical role of sea temperatures in the health of the West Coast salmon population. The shift to El Niño conditions over the last two years has created a more favourable environment for salmon, with cooler seas promoting greater productivity. This bodes well for future seasons, offering anglers even better opportunities.

For more information, check out the full salmon management review here: Salmon Management Review.

The large rivers have provided good fishing this summer while we experienced low flows.

Field Work Update

March has been a busy month for salmon compliance checks, and we’re happy to report that all anglers have been compliant. Noncompliance is rare on the West Coast, with most anglers dedicated to supporting the sustainable management of our fisheries.

Drift dives have now been completed for the year, with overall trout numbers remaining moderate. Most counts align with the long-term average for the sites. 

If you catch a salmon, please notify us at West Coast Fish & Game. Your harvest data and combined with our spawning counts are vital for making informed management decisions to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.

Upcoming Fishing Competition

The Ahaura Hunting and Fishing Competition will be held over the Easter weekend, from Thursday, April 17th to Sunday, April 20th. This event is a fantastic opportunity to connect with the local hunting and fishing community, especially for younger anglers and hunters. For more details, visit their Facebook page.

We hope to see you there!

Baylee Kersten
West Coast Fish & Game Officer