Reel Life February 2022

Happy New Year anglers. 

The fishing outlook for February looks great; the NIWA long-range weather forecast indicates that temperatures are likely to be above average across the country. 

With near normal rainfall predicted and some extended periods of higher than normal air pressure; all in all, an excellent excuse for getting out and having a fish 

All the regional links above right provide some great info for how and where to fish the coming month with the best chance for success. 

In the South Island, salmon is the word on many anglers’ mouths, with anglers having success targeting the “silver bullets” aka Chinook salmon on rivers like the Rakaia in Canterbury. 

Rangers in the two Canterbury Regions (Central South Island and North Canterbury) are reporting anglers are getting used to the sea run salmon season bag limit that has been introduced this season. But they want to remind salmon anglers that they need to: have a sea run salmon endorsement before going fishing; have the card on you when fishing so you can fill it out immediately when you catch a sea run salmon. 

There is also a short window to target sockeye salmon in the lakes of the Central South Island region before the first of March when they enter the rivers for spawning. The team at CSI Fish & Game have some great advice on their page on how anglers can target the only population of sockeye salmon that exists outside North America. 

At this time of year, the water temperature is key for trout; as it gets warmer, trout will be seeking cooler waters, and anglers should follow suit and target the cooler waters for their fishing. 

One sports fish that likes the warm weather is perch. A fantastic eating fish, they become more active in the summer months as the water gets warmer. Check out this video on how to target perch and contact your local Fish & Game office for advice on perch fisheries in your area. 

Variety New Zealand Fishing Competition 

While sea fishing is a little out of the Fish & Game wheelhouse, supporting a worthy charity helping families in New Zealand is not. We figure many of our licence holders fish in saltwater as well as fresh water, and this competition may just net you a new car or some great Okuma fishing gear. 

Struggling to put food on the table is the everyday reality for many families Variety helps. Shockingly, only 1.2% of these families are fully food secure.

Variety Fishing Comp proceeds will help provide grocery support to children and families in need. 

To enter, purchase your ticket at a participating Ford Dealership nationwide and then register online at https://variety.fishingcomp.co.nz/

The competition has lots of great prizes, including fishing gear and vouchers - and the grand prize is a Ford Puma! 

Tight Lines 

The Team at Fish & Game NZ