Northland Fishing Regulations 2016-2017
CONTACT
Office: Unit A5, 7-11 Nell Place, Whangarei 0110
Postal Address: PO Box 25003, Whangarei 0148
Phone and Fax: (09) 438-4135
E mail: [email protected]
Office Administrator: Fay Stodart
Manager: Rudi Hoetjes
Field Officer: Nathan Burkepile
Office: Unit A5, 7-11 Nell Place, Whangarei 0110
Postal Address: PO Box 25003, Whangarei 0148
Phone and Fax: (09) 438-4135
E mail: [email protected]
Office Administrator: Fay Stodart
Manager: Rudi Hoetjes
Field Officer: Nathan Burkepile
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Northland has a temperate climate with summer water temperatures often above the optimum range preferred by trout. As a result freshwater fishing is to some extent limited compared to other regions. The Northland Fish and Game Council have liberal regulations providing maximum fishing opportunity for different types of angling experience.
The region has numerous small river and stream fisheries that hold rainbow and brown trout. Rainbows are inclined to be the dominant species as they are able to tolerate the warmer water temperatures. Fly and spin fishing are the only methods allowed in Northland’s river fisheries. The rivers have an open season from 1st October to 30th April each year, except for the Wairua River which is open to fishing
all year round.
Many of the headwater streams in the region are heavily wooded along the banks which keeps the water cooler in the summer months. Angler pressure on these streams is low, offering a semi-wilderness experience. Angler access to most rivers in Northland requires permission from the individual landowner before you can cross their properties.
Landowners are only too willing to grant approval providing you seek prior permission, shut the gates and do not disturb stock.
Early spring, late autumn and the winter offers the best freshwater angling in Northland’s lakes and reservoirs when the trout become more energetic in the cooler surface waters. Northland Fish and Game undertakes an annual stocking programme of hatchery reared trout into two natural lakes and three artificial reservoirs to provide further angling opportunities. Bait fishing and trolling are allowed in the lakes and reservoirs which are open to angling for 12 months. Several angler access guides are available through the Council office and on the regions webpage www.fishandgame.org.nz.
1. DEFINITIONS
See First Schedule.
2. OPEN SEASON
2.1 All lakes and reservoirs in region.
All year: Reference to Description: New Zealand Gazette, No. 83, 24 May 1990, page 1861.
2.2 Wairua River (excluding tributaries) downstream of its confluence of the Waiotu and Whakapara Rivers.
2.3 All rivers and streams in region. 1 October to 30 April
3. CLOSED WATERS
No restrictions.
4. AUTHORISED TACKLE
See First Schedule.
5. FLY FISHING ONLY WATERS
No restrictions.
6. BAIT FISHING WATERS
6.1 Bait fishing (as defined in the First Schedule) is permitted in all lakes and reservoirs.
6.2 Bait fishing is permitted in the Waitangi River only when fishing for tench.
7. COARSE FISHING WATERS
7.1 The only public coarse fishing water in the Northland Region is the Waitangi River and its tributaries.
8. USE OF BOATS
8.1 Anglers trolling from boats must stay at least 50m from any anglers fishing from the shore.
9. DAILY BAG LIMITS
9.1 All rivers and streams except the Waipapa, Mangapa and Victoria Rivers:
9.1.1 No licence holder shall on any one day kill more than two trout.
9.1.2 There is no daily bag limit for tench or perch.
9.2 Waipapa, Mangapa and Victoria Rivers and any tributaries of these rivers:
9.2.1 No licence holder shall on any one day kill more than
one trout.
9.3 All lakes and reservoirs:
9.3.1 No licence holder shall on any one day kill more than three trout.
9.3.2 There is no daily bag limit for tench or perch.
10. FISH LENGTH
10.1 The minimum length for trout is 300mm
10.2 The minimum length for tench or perch is No limit