Northland Reel Life October 2018

Appeal for Northland anglers to help with fish study

Fish & Game Northland staff are appealing to anglers to help with a national research project into the genetic makeup of rainbow and brown trout.

Right: New councillor Russell Daniels with a trout caught in Whau Valley Dam.

Regional Manager Rudi Hoetjes says the fish that are being sought for the project are those from local streams and rivers, rather than lakes and reservoirs.

“We need fish that have come from wild stock rather than hatchery-bred ones,” he says.

Rudi Hoetjes says any anglers who are fishing Northland streams and rivers over the next month and hook some trout, are asked to bring them in to the regional office: Unit A5, 7-11 Nell Place, Raumanga, Whangarei.

“So that we can take a very small sample of flesh which will be sent to a research facility to analyse the DNA. But please phone in first on 09- 438 4135.”

Anglers will be asked to provide some basic details on where the trout was caught and when, along with its length and weight. Trout can be taken to the office in a frozen state.

“Any anglers with questions about the project or what’s required, are welcome to phone me and I’ll be happy to pass on what I know, “ Rudi says.

“Thanks in anticipation of some fish returns.”

Northland’s trout fishing spots

If you’re heading north to holiday at Northland’s Kai Iwi Lakes, don’t forget to pack a rod and licence.

Northland lakes and reservoirs opened to anglers on October 1 and angling spots include not only the Whau Valley Dam, the nearest fishing to Whangarei, but also Wilson’s Dam just north of Ruakaka.

The Kai Iwi Lakes near Dargaville are sand-based dune lakes which are open year-round. The lakes (“kai” is Maori for food, and “iwi” is tribe) are known for their scenery and draw lots of holidaymakers.

Northland staff say anglers are advised to get in quick before the lakes get busier as we head for the Christmas holidays, and water temperatures start to climb.

In summer the best fishing is done by boat as the fish head deeper with warming temperatures. The rainbow trout is the only sport fish available to anglers in these lakes. But well-conditioned fish are taken every year, which average 1kg and can grow up to 4.5kg.

The main types of tackle used are fast sinking lines with koura or bully imitation flies for shore-based anglers, and lead lines and jigs for boat fishers.

For more information on Northland fishing locations and access, click here.

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