Fishing Reports index > April 2008

West Coast Fishing Report

The Ahaura Hunting and Fishing competition held each Easter is now a well established event and I always look forward to seeing the various fish and game on display.  One does not often get the opportunity to see what other anglers are bringing home. The good numbers of quality trout presented at the final weigh-in are evidence of a healthy West Coast fishery. A couple of years ago I recall a double figure (lbs) fish caught near Ahaura which had only one pectoral fin. It had obviously found a food rich spot in which to swim in circles! This year’s event produced a good size Rainbow trout that was presumably caught in the Taramakau River. While the exact location shall remain with the angler the most likely spot was the area upstream of Donegals.

It is always interesting to catch something different so if you are keen to try your hand at catching a Rainbow there are several good locations on the West Coast. The Hokitika Gorge fishery is probably the most renowned however the Taipo also produces good quality Rainbows as does the upper part of the Taramakau which has the added advantage of easy accessibility. Just remember that the Taipo closes on April 30 until next season.

This brings me to what I feel is missed opportunity - winter fishing. It never ceases to amaze me the number of people who believe the end of April signals the end of trout fishing .In fact many of our waters are open all year round. (While you should check the South Island Sports Fishing Regulations supplied with your 2007-2008 Fishing licence, a good rule of thumb is that most waters downstream of State Highways 7 and 67 are open all year round. Some of the bigger rivers such as the Buller,Grey and Taramakau  are open much further inland.  This is marvellous because these are the most accessible waters we have and the less time spent accessing a fishing spot translates into more quality daylight time on the river.  The lower reaches of these rivers almost always have sea run browns coming and going, however winter brings the additional bonus of fish coming up river to spawn.  While this event produces an ideal spin fishing opportunity, it also provides fly fishers with the opportunity to keep their terminal tackle out of the scrub!  Once hooked sea run trout will always provide a good tussle. It seems as if their time at sea gives them twice the energy. These are also arguably the best eating fish you will catch and are usually in abundance in the lower reaches so don’t lose any sleep over taking a fish home as long as you or your family can eat it.

See you on the river bank.

Charles Teasdale

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