Reel Life September 2022

2022/23 Sports Fishing Season Fast Approaching

Saturday the 1st of October marks the start of the new angling season.

With the opening of the fishing season coinciding with the start of the school holidays and falling on a weekend, it’s a great chance to get the whole crew out fishing.

The recent stable weather we have experienced has seen some anglers already getting out and making use of our many fisheries open all year.

We’d just like to remind you that you’ll need a 2022/23 sports fishing licence come the 1st of October to make use of our fantastic fishing resource.

If you haven’t done so already, you can easily grab your new season licence online by clicking here.

Many anglers will be quick to explore locations rested over winter, but don't overlook the fisheries that remained open.

Anglers are reporting some great fishing in the lower reaches of our rivers.

Some recent fine weather has also increased lake temperatures, greatly improving their fishing.

Regulation changes for 2022/23

After consultation with West Coast licence holders during our three yearly regulations review, the following regulation will now be implemented.

Lake Haupiri will be closed during the winter season (1st May to 30th September).

This allows for the spawning fishing migrating through the lake to pass through undisturbed.

The closure was supported by 84% of survey respondents.

The full South Island Sports Fishing Regulations 2022/2023 can be found here.

Field Work Update

Over the last month, staff have been busy carrying out compliance and access work.

Access signs have all received a touch-up ready for the new season, with a few additional sites added.

If any anglers experience access issues, please let us know as if we don't know; we can't help!

On the compliance front, it has been fantastic to see so many anglers making the most of spring angling opportunities.

Best of luck for the 2022/23 fishing season from the crew here at West Coast Fish & Game.

Hope to see you out there!

Baylee Kersten, West Coast Fish & Game Officer.