northland
Notable
Waters: Kai Iwi Lakes, Waipapa River
New Zealands most northerly trout fishing region extends
from Wellsford to Cape Reinga and embraces an area of scenic
beauty and rich colonial history.
The mild climate of the Winterless North produces
temperatures above the optimum range for sports fish. However,
rainbow stocks have adapted surprisingly well and there are ample
fishing opportunities in four major lakes and numerous mountain
streams. Rainbows tolerate the warmer conditions best while the
modest population of browns inhabit the cool wooded stretches of
rivers where angler pressure is low.
The local Fish and Game Council have quite liberal regulations,
which allow for fly, spinning and bait fishing all year round. In
winter the trout tend to become more active and anglers who
persevere with sight fishing along the riverbanks can score fine
fish up to 3 kg. Most rivers pass through farmland over much of
their length, so landowner permission needs to be sought. There
is a daily limit of two trout with a minimum length of 300 mm.
The Kai Iwi Lakes, just north of Dargaville, provide the perfect
setting for a delightful fishing holiday with good camping and a
range of water sports. The lakes are stocked with fingerling
rainbows from the Rotorua Hatchery - progeny of Lake Tarawera
stock, which grow to 3 kg. in these lakes. The trout feed on
koura (freshwater crayfish), snails, smelt, nymphs and other
larvae. Best fishing is from May to October when nymphs and
streamers seem to produce good results.
The Waipapa River offers exciting sport fishing all year round
producing rainbows up to 2 kg. - well nourished on a diet of
mayfly, dragonfly, caddis and cicada. The Wairua River flowing
into the Kaipara Harbour has trout averaging around 1 kg. as does
its tributary, the Kaihu River. Lake Tomorata, out from
Wellsford, contains rainbows of similar size.
Charter boats in Whangaroa Harbour and the Bay of Islands offer
the novel challenge of lightweight sport fishing for pelagic sea
fish. Tremendous battles can be fought with lightning fast
predators like kahawai, kingfish and skipjack tuna, using
spinners or saltwater flies on threadline gear.
Guided fly-fishing in wilderness rivers and Northlands dune
lakes can be arranged in Auckland and Whangarei.
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