May - Christchurch Fishing and Casting Club

May - 2012
IN THIS ISSUE
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Presidents Report
Fishing Report
What’s Happening – Club Nights / Club Trips / Events
Pupuke Challenge
Presidents End Of Year Report
A.G.M.
Recipe Of The Month
Support Sought For Ngaruroro Protection
Sanford Pushing For Trout Farming
Trout Farm Risks Seen As Too High
Rules Re-Write Seeks To Boost Fishing Opportunities
Auckland Waikato Report
At The End Are The Rainbows
Editors Note
General Club Information Plus Committee Members Contact Details
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Tuesday evening and a wet Nor-Easter is “steaming in!” After a particularly benign
April, it looks like the winter weather is arriving. What this means for trout fishermen is
that rivers and streams will be rising, encouraging our favourite quarry to “head
upstream”, whether as early spawners or to take advantage of the numerous food items
dislodged from both stream beds and banks. For the angler the change of season also
brings in a change of “wardrobe” from the wide brimmed hat, light weight waders and
shower-proof jacket to the really serious woolly hat, thermals, gloves and Gortex raincoat
(if you can afford one!)
It is also an opportune time to make sure all of the requisite gear is in top condition.
Cleaning and lubricating reels, cleaning and stretching lines, getting rid of any weak or
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usty flies and probably purchasing a few new reels of leader material to replace the ones
that have lived in the bag or vest over the last summer (or two!) It’s cheap insurance to
improve the odds of actually landing that winter trophy.
My favourite destination at this time of the year (notwithstanding my predilection to
chase crayfish), is the edges of the Rotorua lakes. From now until the season closes on
June 30 th , some beautiful fish can be caught along the beach fronts at Ruato and
Hinehopu on Lake Rotoiti, Lake Okataina and Oneroa Beach on Lake Rotoma. While
wet weather, particularly at night, is pretty uncomfortable, it often produces the best fish
so wrap up appropriately and go for it. It’s amazing how a solid take and a screaming reel
can push the weather right to the back of your mind.
A couple of weeks ago, four of us made one of our regular trips to Lake Otamangakau
although with the season there closing on May 30 th , we probably wont be back until the
new season. As is so often the case, the daytime fishing was quite hard and what fish
were caught were generally small but true to form, the fishing after dark, was the usual
“big hits!” A mixture of small dark flies, “Yoshi Buggers” and luminous flies did the
“damage” and notwithstanding the widely held belief that Brown Trout don’t take
“glowy” flies, I caught two prime browns around 7 or 8 pounds on a luminous Scotch
Poacher.
Next Tuesday (May 15 th ) is our club AGM. It would be great to see as many of you as
possible at the meeting and if any of you have family members, friends or acquaintances
who might be interested in joining the club, they would be welcome as visitors. While
unable to participate in the formalities of the actual AGM, they would still be able to
meet club members and enjoy our speaker.
Dave Symes - President
FISHING REPORT
Auckland / Waikato
Lake Pupuke has just been restocked with Trout and is well worth a visit.
With all this rain hitting the Ohinemuri at present, fishing over the weekend could
produce some good numbers of Trout. In the past I have found that my highest catch rates
here were as the river was dropping down from a minor flood and still carrying plenty of
colour. Flies that have worked there in coloured water are Copper Johns, gold bead Hare
and Coppers and even big (size 8-10) Royal Wulfs.
The Waikato hydro lakes seem to be fishing extremely well and giving up some very well
conditioned Trout.
The Waipa tributary system is holding high numbers of good sized fish but they have
been very line shy. On our last visit we didn’t see any obvious Redds but we did see a
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number of fish paired up as well as a few pods of pre spawning Brownies so carrying a
glo bug or two might be a useful idea.
Rotorua
With Okere Falls Arm and the Kaituna River being so clear it is easier to see spawning
fish that are holding in small numbers both above and below the control gates. There are
larger than expected numbers of rainbows up to the one and a half kilo mark still around
but larger fish are turning up in ever increasing numbers. Most of the larger fish have
been holding under the turbulent water directly below the gates, but with the gates wide
open there isn’t any turbulence at the moment. Woolly bugger and ginger mick flies are
working well during the day and black marabou are great after dark.
Lake Rotoehu has fish coming into the liberation points, most seem to be around the one
and a half to two kilo mark and all are fairly good condition. The water quality is not
great so the use of a light coloured fly such as a grey ghost should produce results. As
this lake has only dropped 100mm or so since summer there is little chance of wading too
far along the lake edge. Remember also that this lake is used for duck hunting so early
morning and late afternoon trolling or harling is best left until the hunting season finishes.
I was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of fish, some on the very large size, actively
feeding off the surface and over the weed bed at Ruato Bay over the weekend. Some
were too far out to be able to cast to but there were others that were well within range of
an average caster of the fly. Casting a line over the weed bed at either end of Ruato Bay
after dark should bring results, especially once the moon has reduced in size. A heavy
cloud cover will help also as will a reasonable amount of wind as fish have been very
wary on the very still nights that we have had. The Dump through to the Pipe has been
fairly quiet but a lot of rain hit the area over the past couple of days. This should have
improved things no-end, especially for early morning fishing trips.
Lake Rerewhakaaitu has fished well both from the shore and by boat, though the shore
based angling is still restricted by the high water level. Both Homestead and School Arms
have produced fish for flingers of the fly or spinner, especially on change of light, but
those harling have struggled some days. Darker smelt patterns such as the ginger mick
have caught well. Smelt are still in amongst the trees, drawing trout in close, though
without a boat they are challenge to get at.
Lake Okaro continues to provide great fishing, especially since the rain. This lake always
provides surprises, especially in the size of the fish. On more than one occasion rainbows
over three kilos have been caught from the shore.
Taupo Region
Well at long last we look to have a change in the weather. At the time of writing this
report it is bucketing down and I expect that all of our local rivers will receive a good
flush out. Up until this point they have been all low and clear but have fished very well. I
have had very good reports of the fishing on the Hinemaiaia, Tauranga-Taupo and
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Tongariro rivers. Numerous fresh fish have been caught using predominantly natural
patterns of fly such as hare and copper, claret nymph, cadillac pheasant tail and the green
caddis.
With the rain we are getting at the moment expect another run of fish. There has been
some good fishing at the river mouths indicating that there are reasonable numbers of fish
ready to run with the weather change. A decent flush of water through the rivers won't do
us any harm at all going into the winter.
Out on the Great Lake the fishing continues to be very good. A lot of fish are still being
caught jigging throughout the day. Target depth jigging is 25 metres. Nothing much has
changed with regard fly patterns, the combination of ginger mick, grey ghost and olive
wooly bugger has still been a good producer of fish. Harling for the first couple of hours
of the day has been good. Best flies for harling have been the red body green orbit, ginger
mick and jack spratt. Trolling has been OK through the day but better in the early
morning. Target a depth of 40 metres. Best lures are spotty gold, hot orange and the black
toby.
Just a reminder to anglers wishing to fish Lakes Otamagakau and Kurutau this weekend,
it is duck shooting season and there will be duck hunters shooting around the Lake so you
will need to factor this into your consideration fishing these Lakes at this time of the year.
Fishy Tales
- If you do have a report, success story, or anecdote to share then just send it to
iconp@ihug.co.nz .
Happy Fishing and Tight Lines - Freddy Da Fish.
WHY WE FISH
Our tradition is that of the first man who sneaked away to the creek when the tribe did
not really need fish.
Roderick Haig-Brown
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Dave McLellan toasting his success. Photo courtesy of Roy Richardson.
LAST CLUB NIGHT
Last month we had a very social evening and enjoyed an excellent video. It was a very
interesting night. Thank you Brendan for supplying the video.
NEXT CLUB NIGHT – Tuesday 15 th May – 7.30pm
This month we will have our AGM, starting at 7.30pm, followed by a talk from Paul
Williams. Paul is an accomplished fly fisher and a Professor of Geology at Auckland
University. His talk will be titled ‘Know Your Waters: Goings on in and around lakes’.
This is sure to be an interesting night and we hope to see you all there.
CLUB TRIPS 2012
February – Ngongotaha River and Rotorua Lakes
March – Lake Otamangakau
May – 25 th 26 th 27 th May Ngongotaha River and Rotorua Lakes
July - Tongariro and Tauranga Taupo
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October - Lakes Rotoaira and Otamangakau
October – Lake Aniwhenua and surrounding Rivers, Phil Gates
November – Intermediate Tuition weekend
December – Tuition weekend on Ohinemuri River
The NSF committee arrange various Club Trips over the year to different parts of the
country. If you would like to be involved, or have an idea for a trip please let one of your
committee know.
D.V.D. LIBRARY
The following DVD’s are available from the Club Library. If you would like to borrow
one please contact Dave Symes at the next Club Night or via email, dssymes@xtra.co.nz
ESSENTIAL SKILLS With OLIVER EDWARDS
ESSENTIAL PATTERNS With OLIVER EDWARDS
STILLWATER PRESENTATIONS With DENNY RICHARDS
ADVANCE FLYCASTING DOUG SWISHER
CHRIS OGBORNE’S SINKING LINE TECHNIQUES
NEW WAYS OF FISHING THE CADDIS FLY
NEW WAYS OF FISHING THE MAYFLY
HOW TO SUCCEED ON SMALL STILLWATERS PART ONE
HOW TO SUCCEED ON SMALL STILLWATERS PART TWO
HOW TO SUCCEED ON RESERVOIRS PART ONE
HOW TO SUCCEED ON RESERVOIRS PART TWO
NEW ZEALAND FLYTYING With JOHN GIACON
THE EDUCATED TROUT
WEE WETS AND DOWNSTREAM DRYS With DAVE McLELLAN
CLUB DVD'S
If you have borrowed DVD's and have finished viewing them, please bring them back to
the next meeting.
SUBS
In an effort to get Club Membership Subscriptions in quicker we are instigating two new
options.
1) Subs can now be paid by direct credit to the Clubs Bank Account via the following A/c
number. If you do choose to use this facility please remember to enter your full name or
your Membership Number (shown on your Membership Card) along with your payment
details so John knows where the money came from!
North Shore Flyfishers Incorporated
ASB A/c #: 12-3209-0190179-00
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MAY ROTORUA AND NGONGOTAHA CLUB TRIP
This year’s MAY Club Trip to fish the Ngongotaha River and the Rotorua region is
taking place on the weekend of Friday 25 th , Saturday 26 th and Sunday 27 th of May. We
will again be staying at the Paradise Valley Lodge, which backs onto the river. Costs will
be $75.00 each, which will cover 2 nights accommodation in the lodge and a BBQ on
Saturday evening.
During May this river can produce some excellent fishing for fresh run Rainbows and
Browns, but be warned, these powerful fish may take your fly willingly enough but they
are even better at keeping it or giving it back to you, usually bent.
Also, the river mouths and lake edges in the area are renowned for the quality and size of
their fish. (All reports are saying that with the arrival of the Smelt back into Lake Rotorua
the size and condition of the Rainbows has had a dramatic improvement from last year).
So if you prefer Lake fishing or the rivers are all in flood then there are still plenty of fly
fishing options available for your enjoyment.
Organiser for this trip is Duncan Frew, available on 021 648 956 or iconp@ihug.co.nz .
Rainbow Central. Lake Pupuke receiving another 1000 Rainbows and 100 Browns last
month, courtesy of Fish and Game Auckland / Waikato.
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NEW NEWS ON THE FLY TYING FRONT!
Phil Gates has added an excellent article on using CDC feathers as hackles or legs onto
your nymphs. It is well worth the read! Thank you to Phil for all his great work on the
website, (check it out), - www.nsff.org.nz .
JOKE OF THE MONTH
Waiting in Doncaster , to catch speeders, a Police Officer sees a car puttering along at 22
MPH. Says he to himself: "This driver is just as dangerous as a speeder!" So he turns on
his lights and pulls the driver over.
Approaching the car, he notices that there are five old ladies, and all but the driver are
wide eyed and white as ghosts. The driver, obviously confused, says to him "Officer, I
don't understand, I was doing exactly the speed limit! What seems to be the problem"
"Ma'am," the officer replies, "you weren't speeding, but you should know that driving
slower than the speed limit can also be a danger to other drivers."
"Slower than the speed limit No sir, I was doing the speed limit exactly...Twenty-two
miles an hour!" ....the old woman says a bit proudly.
The Police officer, trying to contain a chuckle explains to her that A22 is the road
number, not the speed limit. A bit embarrassed, the woman grins and thanks the officer
for pointing out her error.
"But before I let you go, Ma'am, I have to ask...Is everyone in this car OK These other
women seem awfully shaken, and they haven't made a sound this whole time," the officer
asks.
"Oh, they'll be all right in a minute officer. We've just come off the A120."
QUOTABLE QUOTES
Consider the renowned Scottish gillie who was asked what was the single most important
skill for a a career fishing guide. After scratching his beard in deep thought he replied,
'I'd have to say it'd be the ability to yawn with your mouth shut.'
Quoted in 'The Trout Diaries'
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FISHING BUDDIES SOUGHT
This is a brand new idea for the Newsletter, prompted by Member suggestion, so
hopefully it will grow into something we can all utilize from time to time. The intention
is to display a list of names of Club Members that are keen on finding a ‘buddy’ to go
fishing with, either on a regular basis or just for a day. In essence it’s a fly-fishing dating
service. It will look something like this…
Name Availability Contact Details
Ron Blair Anytime Has 12ft Tinny ron.blair@xtra.co.nz
Barrie Barnes Anytime barrieb@arkon.co.nz
Always keen on exploring
‘new water’, especially close to
Auckland waters.
Charles Wilma Anytime but would prefer home 09 427 4521
Mid-week mobile 021 067 3253
Les Rose Retired and is happy to take another home 09 4183634
person fishing during the week.
Has a small 2 person boat.
Daryl Sinclair Anytime he can get a pass. foursinclairs@xtra.co.nz
So, if you are keen to find someone to share the cost and the fun of a fishing expedition
with, then send in your details and we will get it all started.
Send details to iconp@ihug.co.nz
LAKE PUPUKE CHALLENGE 2012
The sixth Lake Pupuke Challenge, an annual fishing competition on Auckland’s North
Shore took place on Sunday, 6 May.
Although conditions were ideal, there were probably fewer anglers than recent years,
particularly in the junior ranks.
Ten rainbow trout were weighed in. Nine of these had been released earlier in the month.
The heaviest fish, caught by David Yang, was 800 g and would have been released last
year.
Only one other species, a small perch, was presented.
Sylvan Park is a busy place in the weekends and the weigh-in and prize giving always
attracts quite a few bystanders in addition to the anglers and family members, thus
spreading the word about Pupuke as a local fishing destination.
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NSFF and Trout Unlimited acknowledge the on-going support of the event by Hunts
Sports Store.
Dennis Smith
Club President Dave Symes with first prize winner David Yang and 2 nd prize winner
Portia Alexander. Photos courtesy of Dennis Smith.
PRESIDENT’S END OF YEAR REPORT 2012
Yet another year has come and gone in the life of North Shore Flyfishers Club and
following the AGM, we will be entering the 10 th year after our 2003 establishment. As
the old saying goes, ”time flies when you’re having fun!”
In contrast to many other clubs and societies which suffer from the problem of declining
numbers, our club enjoys a pretty steady level of membership with new arrivals roughly
balancing leavers. There are always a multitude of reasons behind these patterns but in
our case, I think the growing level of interest in fly fishing as a recreational pursuit (both
fresh and saltwater), the affordable membership cost and the excellent central North
Shore location for meetings are very positive factors under pinning our success. With
regard to the last point, I would like to thank Milford Cruising Club and their staff for
their ongoing support.
As is usual in reports of this type, I would also like to thank my fellow committee
members for the effort and work that they put in on behalf of all members. Most of us are
prepared to offer our services for a further year with one or two standing down. I will ask
for nominations from the floor on AGM night so please give some thought to possibly
joining the committee. It is not an onerous task and the injection of “new blood” and
ideas is always welcome.
Club trips have, on the whole, been well patronised during the year although it is
noticeable that in many cases, it is the same members attending. That is no bad thing but
it would be great for some others in the club to join in because there is much to be
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learned and enjoyed in the company of “like-minded” individuals sharing knowledge and
skill in our great outdoors.
Once again, John Cuthbertson, our very capable treasurer, has managed club finances
impeccably. John will present his report at the AGM and answer any questions you may
have.
Finally, I would ask all members to give some thought to increasing our club membership
by “spreading the word” through friends and associates in the “fishing world.” There are
hundreds, if not thousands of anglers on the North Shore who chase snapper, kahawai and
kingfish by traditional methods but the rising levels of interest and participation in
saltwater fly fishing, combined with the knowledge and experience within the club, could
be an attractive drawcard.
Thank you all for your participation and support over the past year and I hope to see you
all at the club AGM on Tuesday 15 th of May.
Dave Symes – President
2012 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Notice is hereby given of the Annual General Meeting of The North Shore Flyfishers
Incorporated to be held at the Milford Cruising Club 24 Craig Road Milford on the 15 th
May 2012 commencing at 7.30pm.
Copies of the Audited accounts will be available at the Committee table prior to the
AGM.
AGENDA FOR THE AGM AS FOLLOWS:
1. Welcome
2. Apologies
3. President’s report
4. Treasurer’s report and financial situation
5. Set subscription rate for the year (already done)
6. Election of officers and committee
PRESIDENT
SECRETARY
TREASURER
CLUB CAPTAIN
COMMITTEE (5 people) required
7. Notice of motions (See note below)
8. General business
9. AGM CLOSE
NOTE: Any member wishing to place a notice of motion to be raised at the AGM must
do so in writing and be received by the executive committee no later than 8 th May 2012
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RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Thai Steamed Trout – Recipe courtesy of Fish and Game NZ
Because trout is so mild, it's very versatile - equally at home pan-fried in white wine and
garlic or steamed with fresh Thai flavors as it is in this recipe.
Ingredients:
1 x 250 gram trout, gutted and washed
1 Tbsp of cilantro, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, crushed
Juice from 1 lime 1 bird chili, finely chopped
1.5 Tbsp of fish sauce
3/4 tsp of sugar
1 Tbsp of water
Steamed rice
Chinese broccoli
Preparation:
Turn the oven grill on
Wash the trout and pat it dry with a paper towel
In a small bowl mix together the crushed garlic, lime juice, cilantro, chili and
sugar. Stir well. Add 1 Tbsp of water and stir again
Place the trout in a large piece of foil. Crimp the foil into the shape of a boat and
twist the ends closed
Pour the sauce over the fish and a little inside it
Crimp the foil tightly so that no steam or liquid can escape
Place the fish in a large baking dish and then bake for 20-25 minutes
Remove fish from the oven and carefully open the foil
Serve fish in foil or filet it and serve it with the sauce poured on top with steamed
rice and Chinese broccoli
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SUPPORT SOUGHT FOR NGARURORO PROTECTION
Hawkes Bay Today – 17/04/2012
Fish and Game New Zealand proposes to apply for a Water Conservation Order over the
Ngaruroro River and its tributaries that could prohibit or restrict new water and discharge
permits being issued.
Fish and Game Hawke's Bay regional manager Peter McIntosh has called a hui with all
marae, hapu, claimant groups and iwi connected to the river in the hope people will
consider a joint application for the order to the Minister of the Environment.
Mr McIntosh's letter, outlining the hui at Kohupatiki Marae in Clive on April 20, said the
Ngaruroro River system deserved greater protection from "adverse development" such as
dams for hydro-electric power generation, declining water flows, water quality and
drainage wetlands.
A Water Conservation Order would "protect the outstanding trout fishery, wild and
scenic nature", and associated water recreation for the section of river and tributaries
upstream of Whanawhana, northwest of Hastings city.
"We are aware that there are also some important cultural and historic values in this part
of the catchment," Mr McIntosh said.
Downstream of Whanawhana the river was not so remote but mahinga kai, spiritual,
cultural, birdlife and other fisheries such as eels, whitebait and flounder were associated
with the river.
Mr McIntosh said there was a chance for Fish and Game, along with iwi, to consider
preparing a joint application for a Water Conservation Order over "a greater length of the
waterway" than what Fish and Game "could justify itself".
"This could include the river from its source downstream to the mouth, some wetlands
and tributaries," he said.
To be successful, the application for a Water Conservation Order had to meet
requirements similar to those that determined national park status. The Ngaruroro River
begins in the Kaimanawa, Kaweka and Ruahine Ranges.
It flows out to the ocean between Clive and Awatoto.
The hui at Kohupatiki Marae will be used for feedback to ask if iwi associated with the
river, its tributaries, streams and wetlands, support the Fish and Game proposal for a
Water Conservation Order.
A total of 16 conservation orders cover water bodies that have outstanding amenity or
values in New Zealand.
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SANFORD PUSHING FOR TROUT FARMING
Penny Wardle – Marlborough Express – 19/04/2012
Fisheries company Sanford is lobbying the Government to lift its ban on farming trout in
the sea so they can grow the fish species in places including the Marlborough Sounds.
Sanford managing director Eric Barratt yesterday told the Marlborough Express that the
Sounds would be more suited to cage-farming of trout than salmon because they could
tolerate higher water temperatures.
Unlike New Zealand King Salmon, Sanford would not seek to farm fish in places where
the Marlborough District Council had prohibited aquaculture, Mr. Barratt said. Instead,
the company would aim to convert some of its existing 300 mussel farms to trout.
"In our mind, sea-farming of trout is one of the best opportunities to expand aquaculture
and would be economically viable," he said.
Hundreds of thousands of tones of trout were grown in countries including Chile and
Norway and traded on world markets. Other coastal sites in New Zealand could also be
suited to sea-farming of trout, Mr. Barratt said.
The 1987 Conservation Act used to prohibit the farming of salmon and trout, he said.
About 20 years ago, government lifted the ban to allow salmon-farming. Recreational
fishers' fears that this would cause problems including trout disease and mass escapes had
proved unfounded.
Sanford farms salmon at Stewart Island but grows only shellfish in the Marlborough
Sounds.
Mr. Barratt and the Sanford board were in Havelock yesterday to tour the company's
mussel-processing factory, visit Marlborough Sounds mussel farms and meet people from
supporting businesses.
Sanford aquaculture manager Ted Culley said the company grew 1000 hectares of
mussels on 300 farms in the Marlborough Sounds; about one third of the total musselfarming
area. In recent years the company had invested about $130 million in
Marlborough including mechanisation of the Havelock plant which was completed in
April last year.
Sanford bought Sealord mussel farms two years ago and in December 2010 acquired
Pacifica Seafoods including Marlborough Mussel farms, boats and equipment, Mr.
Culley said.
Mechanisation of the Havelock factory had meant being able to process extra mussels
from the expanded operation without increasing staff, which stood at 230 people working
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in two shifts, he said. Seventy people worked on company farms and in harvesting and
seeding.
Mr. Barratt said the board's visit was a chance to talk about whether the company should
make a submission on New Zealand King Salmon's application to develop nine new
salmon farms in the Marlborough Sounds.
A decision was not reached but consensus was that coastal marine zones where the
Marlborough District Council had prohibited aquaculture should be respected. However,
board members were disturbed at the "inaccurate science" being put forward by
opponents, Mr. Barratt said.
Submitting would be a good opportunity to inform the Environmental Protection
Authority about Sanford business operations and philosophy, he said.
The Marlborough council has floated charging aquaculture businesses a coastal
occupancy fee to cover water quality monitoring costs. Mr. Barrett said Sanford would
not object to this charge if it paid for monitoring but would oppose any attempt to make
companies pay because they were making money from coastal space.
Trout farming is banned in New Zealand because of dangers to the recreational fishing
and tourism industries from farmed trout. There are concerns about diseases. There is
also the issue of placing a value on trout, with the wild fish vulnerable to poaching. It is
illegal to sell trout in New Zealand.
Jimmy Teen and an 8pd Brown in absolutely pristine South Island back country.
Photo courtesy of A.N. Other.
15

TROUT FARM RISKS SEEN AS TOO HIGH
Penny Wardle – Marlborough Express – 26/04/2012
Marlborough angler Tony Orman battled trout farming in the 1970s and says he is
prepared to do so again.
The Marlborough Express last week reported that New Zealand's largest publicly owned
fishing company, Sanford, was lobbying the Government to lift its ban on trout farming
so it could grow the species in places including the Marlborough Sounds.
Mr. Orman, of the Marlborough Recreational Fishers Association, said farming trout
could damage New Zealand's world famous trout fishery, which was a big earner of
tourism dollars and a recreation asset.
"Estimates put the economic generation of trout fishing at $70 million a year," he said.
Allowing the sale of trout flesh would encourage poaching and sale on black markets,
impossible to control in New Zealand's multitude of wild rivers, Mr. Orman said.
Overseas, whirling disease and ulcerative dermal necrosis were among illnesses which
flared up in trout farms then spread to wild trout and salmon, he said.
National Party president Peter Goodfellow was a Sanford director and major shareholder,
said Mr. Orman, who believed for National to promote a law change could involve a
conflict of interest.
Mr. Goodfellow said his family always openly disclosed that they were Sanford
shareholders. He did not know the company was actively lobbying the Government to
free up salmon-farming, but this was the domain of managers, not directors, he said.
However, Mr. Goodfellow supported discussion about whether commercial farming of
trout might be compatible with safeguarding recreational fishing.
Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game manager Neil Deans, of Nelson, said if Sanford was
serious about trout farming, it would need to approach his organisation as the sole source
of stock. This was unless they planned to import trout, which was unlikely to be allowed.
"They would have to convince the anglers of New Zealand that this would be a good
thing but ... trout farming has always been our risk and someone else's gain."
Mr. Deans shared Mr. Orman's concern that allowing the sale of trout could promote
poaching. Unlike salmon, trout were edible when they spawned so the breeding fish
could be scooped up in large numbers then sold, he said.
Opening up commercial hatcheries around New Zealand risked the spread of diseases like
whirling disease, found in Canterbury but not in the North Island, Mr. Deans said. Farm
escapees could corrupt the wild gene pool, he said.
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Trout were a freshwater species with a very different biology to salmon and less highly
valued for aquaculture. Any government must weigh up disease, genetic, poaching and
also biosecurity risks like the spread of didymo against minimal gain, he said.
New Zealand Federation of Freshwater Anglers president Ken Sims, of Palmerston
North, questioned whether government would encourage the Sanford proposal to replace
mussels, which filtered the water they lived in, with trout, which would heavily pollute
their environment.
A MAF spokesperson said trout farming is prohibited under the Conservation Act and
Fisheries Act. In the early 1970s salmon and trout farming where both considered, but the
government decided to only allow salmon farming.
Clean Water = Big Trout - Big Trout = Big Fun.
RULES RE-WRITE SEEKS TO BOOST FISHING OPPORTUNITIES
Press Release – Eastern Fish And Game – 2/05/2012
Fish & Game says a proposed re-write of some fishing rules will simplify them – and
create lots more opportunities for anglers – especially in summer.
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The Eastern Region Fish and Game Council is reviewing the rules that apply to fishing
for trout in its waters – including the Rotorua Lakes, Tauranga, Waikaremoana and East
Coast. The annual review process allows anglers to give their feedback on the regulations
in the Angler’s Notice.
Fish & Game Officer Matt Osborne says “this year, we’ve come up with some suggested
changes in response to comments from anglers. Changes have been raised to simplify the
current rules which have been criticised as unnecessarily complex.
“What we propose is good news for veteran anglers and novices alike: the bottom line is
greater opportunities for anglers – and now the Fish & Game Council is asking anglers to
consider the suggestions, and write in with their feedback.”
The regulations that apply to the winter shoreline fisheries on Lakes Tarawera, Rotoiti
and Okataina have been identified as particularly complicated – because of the rules on
fishing methods permitted in particular areas at certain times.
“The Council proposal is that ‘fly fishing only’ periods for all the winter shoreline sites
on these lakes would only come into effect from April 1st. This would mean far more
opportunity for shoreline spin-fishing anglers over summer, but less for these spin fishers
during the winter when they’re not normally too active in any case,” Mr. Osborne says.
Another proposed change is to open all waters in the region at the beginning of October,
providing anglers with more fishable waters earlier. The Council’s suggesting that all
fishing waters open at the traditional 1 October season start after the winter, rather than
some remaining closed till December. This will open up angling opportunities in areas
such as the upper Ngongotaha, Waiteti and Utuhina streams (Rotorua), and the Mokau
and Hopuruahine Streams at Waikaremoana (East Coast).
The proposals for the 2012-13 season, if adopted, would come into effect on October 1st
2012. Anglers are invited to view the proposals in detail on the Eastern Fish & Game
website (eastern.fishandgame.org.nz), or by contacting the local Eastern Region office.
Anyone who wants to make a submission is urged to send them to Eastern Region Fish &
Game by the end of May so the Fish & Game Council can consider them at their June
Council meeting.
AUCKLAND / WAIKATO REPORT
Reel Life Magazine – Fish And Game NZ
Hydo Lakes Turn It On.
Throughout April the trout fishing has been superb with the rivers and hydro lakes fishing
well. So far it has certainly been an exceptional autumn.
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Both Lakes Arapuni and Karapiro continue to produce high catch rates of large fish. The
cool summer and high flows have produced excellent growth rates, and we are getting a
lot of positive feedback from anglers. It would be at least 10 years since the hydro lakes
fished this well.
The small stream fishing continues to be outstanding, partly because it was such a wet
summer that we are still seeing good flows – despite the recent long period of dry
weather. Streams along the Kaimai Ranges and the headwaters of the Waipa are holding
large numbers of trout, including big browns that have recently moved in from the lower
reaches.
Further south, it can be difficult to fish the gorge sections of the Whakapapa and upper
Whanganui due to the low angle of the sun shading much of the river and making it hard
to spot fish or even to read the water. Over summer we’ve received mixed reports from
both rivers. Fishing success appears to vary considerably day-by-day, and with the
expertise of the angler.
AT THE END ARE THE RAINBOWS
Hugh Creasy
There’s a fold in the hills, a twist of rock and clay where grass grows greener and
griselina grows untouched by grazing animals. And at the foot of an old hoheria,
bedraggled in the autumn, with half its leaves gone, there is a bog where sedges push
aside the grass and a trickle of brown water falls to a narrow valley, a gorge. It is the
beginning of a river – its source.
A few venturesome sheep have left their hoofmarks in the bog, but for the most part the
steepness of the surrounding countryside keeps larger animals at bay. This is the grazing
ground of hares, the habitat of skinks and geckos, sunbathing on the boulders. The
mayflies and caddis rise from the gorge to rest on the rock faces and become sustenance
for predators.
There are soldier flies and hairy-headed moth midges where a tangle of fallen tree trunks
has blocked the gorge. The decaying organic matter feeds them for all the years it takes
trees to disintegrate and disappear. The water here seeps rather than flows, and where the
gorge ends and the stream becomes defined there are patches of gorse and broom where
mallards have molted and left their feathers strewn. In the stream, where the first pool is
shaded, a giant kokopu hovers in the mud, its presence revealed by a waving dorsal fin.
At the foot of the pool, smaller galaxids keep station, each with an invisible territory, a
living space to graze and hunt.
Below the pool the corpse of a ewe, dead during lambing in the spring, is now a hollow
shell of bedraggled leather and wool, home to dronefly maggots, ready to pupate. The
corpse has been visited by eels and all soft tissue has long gone but the carcass has
released a rich diet to the stream’s wildlife.
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A little further
downstream a tiny riffle
flows into a pool where
the water is near still.
But the banks of the
pool are damp, even in
midsummer, and a
swamp feeds acidic
seepage to the flow.
This is the upstream
limit of habitat suited to
trout, and one swims the
pool’s edges, nosing
patches of vegetation
drooping in the water. It
is not a big fish, but it
has the pool to itself,
living on a meager diet of midge larvae, water boatmen and backswimmers and whatever
terrestrial insects drop to the water. Hoppers, moths and beetles fall from the forest trees,
and now that autumn is here, frost-bitten cicadas, fat with protein, fall to the pool’s
surface every night. The little fish grows quite fat.
It is facing a great trial, perhaps the greatest of its life, that if it lives will become an
annual adventure. The trout is not yet old enough to breed, its sex organs still
undeveloped, though if it had had a better diet earlier in the summer it might have
matured earlier.
But as the autumn flow increases in the stream, the riffle at the head of the pool becomes
a tempting place for spawning fish, and the little trout will soon have company.
Last autumn the pool was crowded with spawning fish, hens laden with eggs, splashed
into the riffle, bent sideways as they shifted silt from the stones, followed by jacks,
bellies swollen with milt. They made redds and filled them with eggs, only for the earliest
of them to be dislodged by latecomers intent on a similar purpose. It made nature seem
wasteful. But following the spawning fish came juvenile trout, feasting on the excess.
Dislodged eggs floated through the pool and down the riffles and runs, to be snapped up
by younger trout and bullies, torrent fish and banded kokopu. Even mayfly larvae and
caddis joined the feast of protein dislodged in the breeding frenzy. And in a boggy hollow
at the foot of the pool, a family of koura fed greedily on the eggs that came their way.
The little trout has had the pool to itself all summer. It too was once a fertilised egg in the
upstream riffle, and was left alone when its companions sped downstream last spring in
search of richer feeding grounds. They will be back, heavy-jawed jacks and impatient
hens, fighting for the best gravel and the jacks will battle to fertilise eggs. Without a
mating imperative the little trout may well keep out of the battle ground, leaving larger
fish to battle it out. The little trout may do well, and grow fatter on the excess of nature,
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ut if the territorial imperative proves too strong it may be involved in a fatal
confrontation.
At the moment it is a happy little fish, at home in its private pool. Downstream the
hormones are raging and the storm will find it way upstream.
What fate awaits this joyful scene
EDITOR’S NOTE
Fish and Game Auckland / Waikato have released another 1100 Trout into Lake Pupuke
so if you feel like a lazy flick before a Club Meeting or after work why not give it a go.
From past experience I have found a Lumo Silicon Smelt to work quite well when fished
on a floating line and over the shallow weed banks. Why it works when there are no
smelt in the Lake I have no idea, but it does.
FISHING FUNNIES
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(Opinions expressed in this Newsletter are those of the individual contributors and not neccessarillary those of North Shore Flyfishers Incorporated)
MEMBERS FEEDBACK
We, your committee, are always trying to give you what you want.
But are we
In order for us to do our job properly we need to have your feedback, positive or
negative. For example, have you been on a club fishing trip Did you enjoy yourself
What would you change, if anything Club nights – what would you like to see more of
Less of In short, talk to us.
The contact details of all your committee members are listed at the end of every
newsletter. So if you have something on your mind let us know.
Thank you - Your committee
NSFF CLUB MERCHANDISE
Cap – $15.00 Inclusive of GST
Green or Beige, one size fits all, with embroidered badge.
Embroidered Cloth Badge - $7.50 Inclusive of GST
Brushed Brass Metal Pin Badge - $12.50 Inclusive of GST
If anyone is interested in purchasing these products please either place an order at Club
Nights or at Hunts Sports.
Meetings held the 3 rd Tuesday of each month at 7.30pm:
Milford Cruising Club, 24 Craig Road, Milford, North Shore City
NORTH SHORE FLYFISHERS EXECUTIVE
Club Patron - Ian Hunt
President - Dave Symes 486-6257 Takapuna dssymes@xtra.co.nz
Secretary - Roy Richardson 415-8950 Coatesville roy@location.co.nz
Treasurer - John Cuthbertson 413-6993 Greenhithe john.cuthbertson@nz.pwc.com
Magazine - Duncan Frew 021 648 956 Torbay iconp@ihug.co.nz
Committee - Phil Gates 480-2334 Northcote phil@mitgat.com
Members Brendan James 021 595 305 Mairangi Bay cheekyrooster@gmail.com
Hamish Murray 021 807769 Milford HMurray@civica.co.nz
Maurice Parlane 021 650 692 Northcote maurice.p@newwayz.co.nz
Dennis Smith 376-3375 Herne Bay de.smith@xtra.co.nz
Jules Wyatt 09 420 5699 Warkworth jsmw@xtra.co.nz
North Shore Flyfishers Incorporated: P.O. Box 31-387, Milford, North Shore City
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