Fishing News index> August 2008

Prospects Still Good for Spring Fishing

With the recent storms in the lower North Island, the rivers in the Manawatu, Kapiti Coast and Wairarapa ran quite high and discoloured – but are now starting to clear. Currently in the lowland rivers, spin fishing is going to be the best bet and even that is going to be dependent on the recent freshes.  Keen anglers are still heading out to waters that are still open especially on the stunning fine and clear days we have had recently – with reports that some waters clearing up quickly and trout feeding.

Changes to Anglers Notice 2008/9
WELLINGTON REGION

Wellington Fish & Game Council recently discussed possible changes to the Anglers Notice for the upcoming season – and these have now been confirmed.  Below represents the issues considered and the précis of discussion.

Schedule One  

1. Wellington Fish & Game Council supported a ban on felt soled waders
No specific action required as national issue

2. Wellington Fish & Game Council supported the suggestions contained in the briefing paper by Mark Webb and Ian Hadland dated 11 April 2008  and allow for use of scented lures under the modified “bait” definition. 
No specific action required as national issue

3. Wellington Fish & Game Council resolved to affirm its acceptance of the remaining matters within the First Schedule of the Anglers Notice
No specific action required

Schedule Two  

4. Wellington Fish & Game Council resolved that the tench bag limit at Lake Waitawa (Forest Lakes) be reduced to zero.
Action: Addition in Sports Fishing Regulations section 2 as Lake Waitawa (Otaki) as zero bag limit  for tench (ie listed water)  and section 3 where listed an additional explanation for Lake Waitawa (catch & release) - as with Whitby Lakes.

 Explanation: tench have  a slow reproducing rate and this is a principal management action to conserve stocks.

5. Application Of Size Limit (450mm Maximum) To The Hutt River and its Tributaries
Wellington Fish & Game Council resolved to apply a 450mm maximum size limit to the Hutt River (including its principal tributaries)

Action: In the Sports Fishing Regulations section 2 there needs to be a 450mm maximum size limit stipulated for: 
• the Hutt River;
• Wainui River (NB NOT the Wainuiomata River);
• Whakatikei River;
• Akatarawa River;
• Mangaroa River
• Pakuratahi River;
The bag limits remain the same as for last year.  Bait fishing is to be restricted in these waters to encourage successful catch and release policy for large trout.

 Explanation: the drift dive data for the Hutt Rivers indicated that there were low numbers of medium and large fish – which was confirmed by anecdotal accounts of low catch rates.  The principle used on the Hutt River to restrict angler harvest to have a maximum size limit to protect breeding sized trout was seen as an appropriate action. 

6. Application Of Size Limit (450mm Maximum) To The Mangatainoka River
 Wellington Fish & Game Council resolved to apply a 450mm maximum size limit to the Mangatainoka River

Action: In the Sports Fishing Regulations section 2 there needs to be a 450mm maximum size limit stipulated for the Mangatainoka river. Bait fishing is to be restricted in these waters to encourage successful catch and release policy for large trout.

Explanation: Numerous anecdotal accounts of low catch rates in the Mangatainoka were consistent and the management action recommended was to apply a 450mm maximum size limit.

7. Removal Of 450 mm Maximum Size Limit and Allow All Fishing Methods For the Manawatu River Upstream of Maunga Road (upstream of Dannevirke).
Wellington Fish & Game Council resolved that the 450mm maximum size restriction be removed and all fishing methods be allowed for the Manawatu River Upstream of Maunga Road (upstream of Dannevirke).

Action: In the Sports Fishing Regulations section 2 there needs to be a change for Manawatu River Upstream of Maunga Road (upstream of Dannevirke) in the length limit from 450mm maximum size to none.  There also needs to be change in the permitted methods from FS to FSB.

Bag limits to remain the same ie 1 per day.
 
Explanation:   Anecdotal accounts indicated that there were good numbers of trout in this reach and that regulations were unnecessarily restrictive. The previous rationale for the size limit and fishing method was based on preserving the breeding stock in the 4-5km of fishable water.

The previous rationale for the restriction on bait fishing was that this method was not conducive to the catch and release concept of the >450mm trout – but with removal of this as a principal management regulation - bait fishing would now be allowed.
 
8. Removal Of 550 mm Maximum Size Limit and Allow All Fishing Methods For the Rangitikei River between Mangaohane Bridge and The Ohinewaione Stream Confluence
Wellington Fish & Game Council resolved that for the Rangitikei River between Mangaohane Bridge and the Ohinewaione Stream Confluence the 550mm maximum size restriction be removed and all fishing methods be allowed and a bag limit of two per day be implemented.

Action: In the Sports Fishing Regulations section 2 there needs to be a change for Rangitikei River upstream from the Matawhero Road Bridge (commonly called the  Mangaohane Bridge)to the Ohinewaione Stream Confluence:
• in the length limit from 550mm maximum size to none;
• in the permitted methods from FS to FSB;
• and Bag limits to change from 4 (four) to 2(two) per day.

Explanation: Anecdotal accounts were that good catch rates were noted in the early part of season, although it was noted that later in the season (February) catch rate had reduced. It was found that trout numbers during drive dives in the Upper Rangitikei River were high – which was part of the rationale to protect the Upper Rangitikei population that was known to transfer through both reaches.  It was considered that regulations were unnecessarily restrictive for this reach. It was also considered that there was merit in introducing a two bag limit if the regulations were liberalised.

 The previous rationale for the restriction on bait fishing was that this method was not conducive to the catch and release concept of the >550mm trout – but with removal of this as a principal management regulation - bait fishing would now be allowed.

9. Affirm Remainder of Anglers Notice from Schedule 2 remains same as for 2007/8
 Wellington Fish & Game Council resolved to accept the remaining matters within the Second Schedule of the Anglers Notice as per the 2007/8 Anglers Notice

Action: None

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