Reel Life October 2024
- 23/10/2024
What an opening season we’ve had so far!
There are great reports throughout this month's issue of great fish being caught countrywide.
If you are looking for spots to go fishing, the regional links above will give you lots of inspiration for fishing adventures.
There is loads of info on upcoming events for anglers that our Fish & Game regions are putting on this summer, so please check them out.
With the long weekend looming, it’s a great time to go fishing if you can, and the weather permits it, but remember, if you haven’t got your licence, grab one here.
High Country fishery openings
The first days of November signal the opening of our High Country fisheries, closed for an extra month to allow the rainbows to finish spawning; our High Country fisheries are world-renowned.
Some open on the first of November, but others open on the first Saturday in November to enable families the chance to make a weekend of it.
Some of our regions, like Central South Island and North Canterbury, will have opening weekend events on, like the Twizel kids fishing day and the Lake Coleridge fishing competition.
If you are in the area, it’s well worth a trip to check out these awesome fisheries.
Canal Fishery brings in the dollars for the local community
Home to some of the biggest trout in the world, the Te Manahuna Mackenzie Basin's hydro canal fishery is a fishery that should be on every angler's bucket list.
Central South Island Fish & Game, with Meridian Energy and Otago University, recently published the results of their economic impact assessment of the Te Manahuna Mackenzie Basin's hydro canal fishery.
Bringing in an average $13.6 million dollars to the local businesses this fishery more than stands on its own feet in a region that includes Aoraki Mt Cook as a tourism drawcard.
Attracting 121,000 angler days a year, which is an average of 330 anglers a day, the region is New Zealand's most popular fishery.
You can learn more about its impact on the local communities here, and you can watch TVNZ’s Seven Sharp article on it here.
Controlled Fisheries
In November some of our controlled fisheries start to open their booking or ballot systems for anglers.
These fisheries are controlled so we can ensure that the fishing pressure they receive is sustainable and also preserves the unique character that they offer.
The controlled nature of them, also offers a next-level angling experience for anglers who get a ballot slot or secure a booking.
You can learn more about our controlled fisheries here.
Say hi to our Rangers
Our Rangers have been out and about since the season opened on October 1.
They have literally checked hundreds of anglers across the country, and whilst they have found the odd offence, generally anglers are more than happy to see a Ranger.
Most of our Rangers are volunteers; they wanted to give back to the anglers and hunters so have stepped forward to assist our staff Rangers with ensuring all anglers and hunters follow the rules.
Most of them are super keen anglers and/or hunters, so when you meet one, don’t be afraid to ask for tips or advice.
They are more than willing to share their knowledge and help you improve your fishing experience.
They’ll be able help you and direct you to some of the great resources Fish & Game has like this one on reading the water.
Tight Lines,
The Team at Fish & Game NZ