Northland Reel Life October 2019

This small stream inland from Waipu holds a self-sustaining population of rainbows.

The river can be accessed at many points along Waipu Gorge Road.

The road follows the river and it is bush clad along the majority of its banks.

There are a number of deep pools along this stretch.

The river is subject to low flows and flooding during weather events.

The vegetation along the banks and the narrow nature of the stream can make casting difficult.

If you continue to walk the entirety of the gorge you will arrive at the lovely Piroa Falls.

RL NTH OCT 3 The North River is another small stream inland from Waipu.

Rainbows and some brown trout are present.

Access can be gained from Waipu Caves Road and fished both upstream and downstream.

The stream gets very shallow up from the bridge and fish numbers are limited.

Downstream there are some deep pools holding some fish.

This picturesque bush covered gorge is a rarity in Northland and makes for a scenic day out.

You will have to seek landowner permission to fish the lower reaches along Helmsdale Road as there is no direct public access.

Northland trout are not specialist feeders and most patterns work well in our streams and rivers as long as they are presented well.

Pheasant tail nymph-Peacock Hurl

“Pheasant tail” nymphs of all descriptions are ideal for nymphing and “dads favourite” is a great dry fly.

The Kai Iwi lakes are still productive with Lake Taharoa producing good numbers.

Trout are rising at most times and the water levels are high and cool.

Royal Wolf

The Royal Wolf dry fly is irresistible to the rainbows in the lake.

Woolly Bugger lures can be fished successfully anytime and are especially deadly in low light conditions.

Woolly Bugger

Casting out over the drop offs and slowly retrieving the lure works well.

Tight lines

Graham Gallaghan, Northland Fish & Game Officer.