Northland Reel Life January 2019

Hot summer, cool fishing

As we’re in the middle of another hot summer, many anglers tend to stop trout fishing as the river levels are starting to drop to low flows.

Right: Kai Iwi Lakes can yeild some solid fish.

But there are still opportunities out there.

The Wairua River in and around the Hikurangi area is a good place to try for river fishing.

The river is currently running relatively clear and the weed beds haven’t really established into thick mats yet, so there’s plenty of opportunity to catch a lurking brown trout in and around the weed beds, or that rainbow trout in a faster flowing area.

In the middle and lower reaches, large wet flies such as a grey host, and yellow or green rabbits are worth trying, and bully patterns such as Mrs Simpson or Hamill’s Killer.

Access is generally really easy with the stop banks providing good walking access.

Please remember that farmers can legally graze the berm lands so please ask before entering the area and take care not to annoy or worry livestock.

There are also some great trout fishing opportunities in Northland’s lakes and reservoirs.

The region offers some very good fishing opportunities during this time of the year.

Trout at Kai Iwi lakes are usually found close to the bottom where the water is coolest.

So trolling and jigging techniques in waters more than 10 metres deep tend to provide the greatest chances for catching trout.

Lake Manuwai has great fishing however since motorised boats are prohibited jigging is the best method to achieve success.

Get set for Kai Iwi Fishing Competition!

The tentative dates for the competition are July the 6^th and 7^th . Mark your calendars and plan for an enjoyable weekend of friendly competition.

Watch the Northland Fish & Game website and Reel Life for confirmation of the dates and further details.

Grab your licence - click here - if you haven’t already got one.

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