Northland Reel Life December 2019

Kaimamaku Stream

Sections of this stream feel like an oasis, hidden away from the world.

Most of its length has been riparian fenced.

The gravel bottom stream is a rarity in Northland.

Fish and Game have installed many access signs along Russell Road so fishers can gain easy access.

This stream is best fished in early spring when sufficient water flows reduce weed growth and fished after a fresh lot of water.

If spinning, the best method is to walk upstream casting into the sporadic deep pools and riffles and to aim near overhanging vegetation.

Small veltics are best in the slow moving water as well as rapala type lures.

Fly-fishing with lures is best from downstream fishing through the pools and slowly retrieving the lure upstream.

Black dog or rabbit lures work well in these waters.

On a recent survey there were brown and rainbow trout in most pools of varying age groups up to 1kg.

Even if trout are not visible in the shallow pools it is still worth putting a few lures through just in case.

Whakapara River

This small section of river has been straightened for flood control and has oxygen weed beds.

Even though the river is fairly straight there are some deeper pools and these locations are your best bet to catch a fish.

A nice rainbow was caught under the road bridge using a rabbit lure.

Any confluences with stream or drains tend to be hotspots.

Tip: A woolly dog lure was touched twice so it was changed over to the rabbit lure and then bang a hook up.

Access can be from Old Russell Road or SH1.

There is a marginal strip downstream to the confluence with the Waiotu River.

2020 Fishing Licence Photo Competition

Don't forget your camera or mobile on your next fishing trip.

You could find one of your photos on the front of the 2020/2021 Fish & Game fishing licence and part of the $4,000 prize package supplied by Kilwell Sports.

Check out the national website for more details.

Graham Gallaghan, Northland Fish & Game Officer