Fishing News index> May 2009

Winters here as temperatures lower and wind chill factors increase. Winter signals the time when shore based anglers in the north come out of hibernation to target our lake and reservoir fisheries.

Lowering water temperatures mean fish will haunt shallower margins especially when feeding on smelt, bullies and other on shallower water dwellers. This peripheral cruising to shore lines and lake edge drop-offs means that anglers have a reasonable chance of hooking these fish as they hunt.

During the warmer months these fish will seek cooler areas to feed and swim in which is usually in the deeper margins well out of the reach of shore based anglers.

It is relatively easy for land-based anglers to target fish at this time of the year with gear and technique being relatively simple. For those fly-fishing northern anglers generally fish with a fast sinking line (5-6 weight) with a tapered fluoro carbon leader suitable for their rod length. A couple of metres of 4- 6-pound fluorocarbon tippet is then attached with a suitable joining knot as is finally your choice of fly or flies.

What sort of flies work well? Anything that represents small in shore fish in different colours to go with the brightness of the day. Smaller flies tend to work better for slow retrieving and are usually easier to cast.

Not everyone is an expert at fly-fishing and this is where the spin fishing with the right gear can do well. Often shallow water cruising fish will respond well to fast retrieve action as associated with spinners. The flashing and movement will entice fish to attack when sometimes a slower fly is ignored. A variety of spinners work well and are usually geared with a 6-10 pound monofilament spinning rod and reel.
 Spin fishing is great for covering area quickly and when mastered will allow anglers greater casting distance than fly-fishing.

The method of choice is exactly that and usually comes down to user technique or knowledge. Both types of angling have their merits and neither option should be overlooked especially during winter.

Reports

As mentioned in last months supplement the Kai-Iwi lakes is fishing extremely well with excellent sized fish being taken. These fish have been caught with lead line trolling gear at approximately 20 to 30 feet of depth and are taking flies and spinners readily. The cooler water temperatures should now bring these fish within shore based anglers reach so make tracks to the lakes, as these fish are premium eating.

Other waters are also fishing well and shouldn’t be overlooked. For the more patient angler the Browns in Wilson’s dam will be reaching significant size so expect to catch something with a bit of fight in it. Reports of decent fish weights and length have been taken and we would expect fish to start bumping double figures this year.

Other waters we are sure will produce the goods as this years water levels throughout the region have been good which intensifies invertebrate activity and boosts the food sources of food.  Overall we would expect put and take fisheries to do extremely well given the early indicators and catches to date.

Whangarei Angler Bob Hemingway with 2 prime fish eaters

Remember if you haven’t got a line in the water you haven’t got anything to brag about. –Till next month.

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