Reel Life November 2024 - Northland

2lb Rainbow caught in the head waters of the Kaihu River.

River and stream update

River levels are low for this time of year. Water clarity is good. The fish are tending to lie in deeper shaded pools as the temperatures finally warm up. Fishing has been productive thus far. Sinking Rapala style lures get down into these deep pools closer to the fish hiding in the depths. If fly fishing at the moment a classical Northland technique is to use lures (Rabbit/Miss Simpson/Red Setter etc) with a floating line and drift the lure over the weed beds as the fish tend to hide underneath. This is not sight fishing just cast in a likely spot and see what emerges.

Reservoir survey

Every year Northland Fish and Game stock three reservoirs as “put and take” fisheries. In the past these have produced reasonable sized fish in the 3-4 pound range. However in the last several years fish size has dropped considerably. We have accordingly reduced stocking rates.  On a recent survey of lake Manuwai it appears that there is very little aquatic vegetation apart from some riparian reed beds. The waters have also suffered from algal blooms which could have been having an impact.

In spite of this our May releases have almost grown into legal size being in the lake only 6 months. It seems that it is the older age groups that struggle to put on size and weight. A gut analysis revealed that the majority of the invertebrates available are midges and other flying insects. So well worth using dry flies (blue blow fly, green beetle, royal wulff and midge imitations) to get the job done.

Regulation Changes

No changes to the regulations. All our waters are open year round to all permitted methods.

We need your help!!

If you catch any trout in Northland can you please weigh and measure the fish. Then send that information to us either via email or messenger. Any size fish will give us useful information on the health of the fishery. Don’t worry we will keep your prized spot secret. Any fish catch data submitted will go into the draw for a whole season licence or family licence.

Take the Family Fishing

The new season commences on Saturday 1st October 2023. The family licence is by far the best value for money licence on offer. A family licence can be made up of two parents or grandparents and up to four of their children or grandchildren under the age of 18. This licence can also be used anywhere in NZ, except the Lake Taupo fishery.

For more information about the new seasons licences check out our website: Please select here