Reel Life December 2023

Mountain streams are fishing well

The fish are finally on the move, and this is a great week to be out fishing with literally thousands of trout seeking cooler water.

There have been dozens of good reports this week, so if you have not got out this season it’s a great time to buy a licence and plan a trip.

If you need suggestions on where to go for your next adventure please see the Auckland/Waikato Travel Guide or the WAMS outdoor access maps.

Just zoom in on the map to see hundreds of fishing spots. If you are still stumped and need suggestions of where or how to fish give us a ring (07) 849 1666.

Proposal to close upper Mangatutu

A recent community proposal to close the land above the Wharepuhunga Road access to the upper Mangatutu due to vandalism, poaching, theft, hut building, dam building and other antisocial activities is a disturbing result of a lack of rural policing.

Fish and Game staff have increased activity in the area and ask anglers to record regos and to get photos of anyone spin fishing or damaging property if it is safe to do so.

The residents of the area are sick of hooligans destroying fences and making a mess of the road reserve.

Staff have asked the police to install cameras and to follow up on complaints.  

We are committed to working together with the local landowners to keep the area safe and to keep it accessible to the public.

Keep an eye out for poachers

We would like to send a huge thank you to our landowners, anglers, and rangers for keeping an eye out for poachers.

You know who you are, and our staff appreciate your efforts.

With thousands of kilometres of streams to look after, staff are heavily reliant on you to report issues.

If you have immediate issues with poaching in rivers or streams call our office at (07) 849-1666.

Tight Lines

Adam Daniel, Auckland Waikato Fish & Game