Reel Life November 2021

2021/22 season off to a wet but solid start!
Despite the frequent rainfall experience over October, the fishing is off to a promising start.
Water temperatures are still running slightly cool so fish activity isn’t high but those who have persisted have caught some cracking fish.
Right: Levi Calder got his fishing season off to a great start by catching his first-ever perch. (Photo Baylee Kersten)

Hamish Rose with two great trout recently caught in a West Coast lake. (Photo Baylee Kersten)
In particular, the West Coast lake fisheries appear to be in top shape, likely the result of the wet summers we have been experienced.
Wet summer results in plenty of food and ideal water temperatures, especially in our smaller lakes, aiding in growing some very large trout.
The warmer lower reaches of rivers and in the estuaries are also experiencing some great fishing currently as baitfish arrive in good numbers, with November and early December typically being their most productive periods.
The smaller waters offer some sight fishing for naïve trout in the early season but with their feeding activity low, the presentation of realistic food sources is going to be key to motivating a take.
Tips for targeting our lower reaches in November
- Fish the incoming tide – this is when baitfish typically arrive
- Change of light is a productive time also
- Fish the edges and around structures – they use structures to ambush prey
- Use heavy line (8-10 lb) – these fish are often large and powerful
- Check out the West Coast Estuarine Trout Fishing video
Keep an eye on your inboxes
You will be receiving some emails from West Coast Fish & Game in the coming weeks as we value your feedback!
Kyah Sutherland got her school holidays off to a great start catching her first trout. (Photo Baylee Kersten)
The first email is regarding your thoughts on amalgamation and to allow us to gauge what West Coast licence holders views are.
There will also be a short survey being sent to West Coast sports fishing license holders as part of our three yearly regulation review.
We will be asking for feedback on a six sea-run salmon season bag limit, single hook use in South Westland lakes and the closure of Lake Haupiri over winter as well as the opportunity for you to raise any regulations you wished to be reviewed with the West Coast Fish and Game Council.
Hope to see you out there!
Baylee Kersten, West Coast Fish & Game Officer.
Categories
Archive
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- August 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- May 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017