Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Northland's inland winter game fishing

Northland's inland winter game fishing

Northland is well known for big game fishing, but as winter rolls around and the seas get rough – there’s a different sort of game fishing on offer in some pleasant, sheltered spots.

The ‘winterless North’ offers local fishers (and visitors) some great fishing in lakes and reservoirs throughout the region. Northland Fish & Game says these spots are often sheltered from the wind and offer good fishing for shore anglers, fly fishing or spinning.

Wilson’s and Whau Valley Dam are within a short drive of downtown Whangarei. Boats are prohibited on both reservoirs, but they offer excellent shore-based winter fishing, says Fish & Game Officer Nathan Burkepile.

Wilson’s Dam is stocked annually with brown trout, and Whau Valley dam is stocked with rainbows. Popular spin fishing lures include the black Toby, copper Zed, red Veltic, and rainbow Rapala lures, he says. “Fly fishermen use variations of the rabbit fly with good success. Other flies that anglers catch fish on include red setters, woolly buggers, hairy dog and scotch poacher.”

Lake Manuwai, located a few kilometres north of Kerikeri, off State Highway 10, is a man-made reservoir which offers non-motorised boat fishing and shore-based fishing. Mr Burekepile says it’s stocked annually with rainbow trout and fishing pressure is light. “Fly and lure imitations that represent snails, small bully, and freshwater crayfish provide a good starting point for a successful day on the lake.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

If you’re a boat owner, the Kai Iwi Lakes north of Dargaville offer easy access for launching. Both lakes Taharoa and Waikere are stocked annually with rainbow trout.

“During the winter months, both boat fishing and shore fishing provide anglers opportunities to catch good-sized trout. Lures that imitate Inanga, fresh water crabs, crayfish, bullies, mosquito fish and insects will all increase your chances of success,” Mr Burkepile says.

“So don’t put away your fishing gear until next summer A spinning set up with 2-6 kg breaking strength and a few lures can provide you with hours of enjoyment in Northland."

Access pamphlets and information on fishing Northland’s lakes and reservoirs are available from Northland Fish and Game Office, at Unit 5, 7-11 Nell Place, Raumanga, Whangarei.

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.