Reel Life October 2026 - Northland

Season Update 

Whau Valley Dam is starting to fish well as the temperatures get warmer. The trout are back in close along the margins patrolling for prey. Both rainbows and browns are being caught, and are being taken on dark nymphs, small bully imitations and dragonfly larva imitations. There has been a mix of wild fish and tagged hatchery fish which indicates that previous winters have had some successful spawning in the feeder streams. Trout were noted spawning in the feeder streams in the most recent winter as well, so the prevalence of wild fish in the system is expected to continue. The fish being caught are in great condition for eating, with deep orange flesh. They should continue to put on condition over the next few months as insect life increases around the dam margins.

Image above: Trout caught in the Whau Valley Dam.

The rivers have been mostly clear and fishable and fish are to be found throughout the systems. The usual lures such as veltics and T-Tail softbaits are catching fish. Rainfall over September has been low, allowing the rivers and streams to clear up and fish well.

Whau Valley trout fishing day

The Whau valley trout fishing day is on 17 October. Come meet the team and potentially catch a Northland trout. The Whau valley dam is our most accessible trout fishery being right in the middle of Whangārei. The dam carpark is within a couple of steps of the best fishing spot on the grassy area.  The dam is stocked annually with rainbows and is considered a put-take fishery. Brown trout we stocked earlier last year and should be of legal size.

Regulation Changes

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

All river and streams, methods - FSB, Limit - 2 fish

Stocked reservoirs, methods - FSB , Limit - 3 fish

We need your help!!

If you catch a trout in Northland can you please weigh and measure the fish. Then email that information along with the location and fin clips (if any) to [email protected] This 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 for the 2027-2028 season.

Take the Family Fishing

The new season commenced on Saturday 1st October 2026. 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: www.fishandgame.org.nz