Northland Fishing News December 11

Time to get out fishing
The Christmas and New Year break is upon us and for many anglers and families this will be the first time since purchasing your licences for you to get out, relax and catch some trout.

In Northland, the lower reaches of the Wairua River between the confluence of the Waiotu and Whakapara Rivers downstream to the Wairau Falls are providing anglers with some good fishing opportunities.

The upper reaches of our rivers over the past couple of seasons have suffered, firstly by a drought followed by two massive floods. This has impacted on our waters and it will take some time before these fisheries recover significantly to produce sizable trout.

The lakes and reservoirs in Northland, however, are a different story and anglers who intend to fish these locations should be in for a wonderful time.

Kai Iwi lakes firing
The Kai Iwi Lakes which are Northland’s premier fisheries are firing, with some outstanding fish being taken over the past six to eight months.

If fishing any of the lakes or reservoirs, anglers will need to fish deep to catch trout which at this time of the year like to sit in the cooler waters.

The reservoirs in Northland are either shore-based angling only or in the case of Lake Manuwai, near Kerikeri, the use of non-motorised craft is allowed. If shore-based angling at the reservoirs is contemplated then it is suggested bait fishing is a very good option allowing you to get your line over the drop off and sitting on the bottom.

If boat fishing at Lake Manuwai or at the Kai Iwi Lakes, then jigging and deep trolling are well worth pursuing with your lures fishing below the 20 metre mark at the Kai Iwi Lakes. Recent reports from anglers fishing the Kai Iwi Lakes are encouraging with trout of 2.5kg being a regular catch.

(Karl Pereira with a large Rainbow trout caught from his Kayak at the Kai Iwi Lakes)

The overall increase in fish size at the Kai Iwi Lakes over the past year is a very good sign and the trout which were liberated in May 2011 have already obtained legal size and are now part of the angler’s bag with weights approaching 1kg.

No matter what your holiday plans are and wherever you go, the staff and councillors of Northland Fish & Game wish all licence holders a merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year and we look forward to working with you all in 2012.