Reel Life November 2024 - West Coast

The fishing action is heating up

Now that the spring rainfall is easing and summer is just around the corner, the fishing has really taken off. The Lakes have been fishing expectational all spring but now the larger rivers are not in flood, anglers are getting out exploring with positive reports coming back to the office. With lake temperatures sitting between 15-17 °C, trout feeding is at its peak and perch activity is starting to pick up. We’d recommended checking out some of the rivers and shallow lakes than are vulnerable to heat over the coming month, as come the peak of summer, the fishing will likely drop off. The lower reaches continue to fish well, with some angler reporting better than average success, so be sure to check out your local as too may have good lower reach fishing this season.

Survey Reveals Healthy Trout Fishery in West Coast Lakes

West Coast Fish and Game conducts fishery surveys to monitor the health of local lake populations. By gathering data on trout size, condition, and abundance, we can ensure sustainable management, through regulation, of the fishery on behalf of anglers.

Last week, we completed our annual lake netting survey—this year at Lake Mapourika. Early results have confirmed what many anglers have already reported - Lake fisheries on the West Coast are in excellent shape. The mild summer, followed by a wet spring, has created ideal conditions for trout feeding, leading to both an increase in the size and number of fish compared to previous years.

During the survey, 85 trout were analysed, with an average weight of 2.1 kg (4.6 pounds). Some individuals were much larger, reaching up to 3.5 kg (7.7 pounds). Analysis of the trout's diet revealed it to be consistent with other West Coast lakes, with bullies and insect larvae, particularly dragonfly nymphs, making up the majority of their food.

We are encouraging anglers to get out now amongst the excitement while the water temperatures are optimal for trout feeding, and the fishing action is best.

A wee reminder that if you are going to give the South Westland lakes a visit, be sure to check clean and dry, to ensure Lagarosiphon doesn’t spread beyond lakes Ianthe and Paringa.

Upcoming Events

The annual Lake Brunner Fishing Competition is taking place from November 29th to December 1^st and event organised Hotel Lake Brunner have sent through some information:

It is that time of year again – the Annual Lake Brunner Fishing Competition is back for 2024! Celebrate Westland Anniversary Weekend out on the Lake, with this family friendly competition. Kicking off at 12pm on Friday 29th November, and finishing with prizegiving at Hotel Lake Brunner at 12pm on Sunday 1st December, you won’t want to miss out! We have plenty of great spot prizes this year, including a Major Spot Prize of an accommodation package for the Boutique Lake Brunner Eco Lodge – so even if you don’t snag a big one, you can still walk away a winner! The categories for this year include trawling, spinning, fly fishing, and a junior category – so you can fish how you want to.

We like to celebrate our community with this event, and this year the proceeds are going towards improving angler access around the Lake Brunner catchment. It is an awesome opportunity to make sure those coming to fish can spend less time navigating the roads, and more time with lines in the water!

This competition is a great way for experienced anglers to show off your skills, and for newbies to give it a go – especially with a free skills session held by Fish and Game down at the Moana Boat ramp on Saturday at 2pm. There are prizes for the longest fish in each category, and plenty of spot prizes to be won! Pick up your registration forms from Hotel Lake Brunner from Thursday 28th onwards and get fishing, and as part of it, Fish & Game are running an educational family fishing skills and information session.

As mentioned above, we a running a skills and information session will be held on Saturday 30th of November, at 2 pm at the Moana Boat Ramp.

This event is for any angler who wants to increase their success but especially new anglers and younger anglers (that must be accompanied by an adult).

All fishing methods will be discussed, and advice will be given as well as the opportunity to ask a local Fish & Game officer about other spots in the region.

Please register your interest on our Facebook event by clicking on this link or email bkersten@fishandgame.org.nz to be kept updated.

If you cannot make the event but are after a few tips, click here to check out the Lake Brunner Fishing Secrets Video.

Basics of Fly Fishing Course at the Taramakau River SH6 Bridge south side access point. From 10 am till 2 pm on Sunday the 10th of December.

We are running a session to teach all the fly fishing basics - covering everything from casting and fishing techniques to setting up your rod and recommended beginner fishing locations.

The event will be run by West Coast field officer Baylee Kersten with potential assistance from a few other experienced anglers if there is high attendance.

Please bring a packed lunch and a deck chair for a great day riverside.

The event will be weather dependent, so be sure to check in the day prior for a postponement.

Please register your interest on our Facebook event by clicking on this link or email bkersten@fishandgame.org.nz to be kept updated.