1 May - 2016 IN THIS ISSUE Page 1

May - 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
Page 1 Page 3 Page 5 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 10 Page 13 Page 14 Page 14 Page 16 Page 17 Page 19 Page 21 Page 22 Page 24 Page 26 Page 27 -
Presidents Report
Fishing Report
What’s Happening – Club Nights / Club Trips / Events
May Club Trip To Ngongotaha / Rotorua
NSFF Calendars
2016 Club Annual General Meeting
Ruakituri River
Change To Taupo Fishing Regulations Process
Lake Tarawera
Around The Traps With The NZFFA
100 Facts About Trout – The Wild Trout Trust
Auckland / Waikato Reel Life - April
Eastern Reel Life – April
Hunting & Fishing Access Protected Under New Laws
Fish & Game Awards North Canterbury Farmers Environment Prize
At The End Are The Rainbows
Editor’s Note
General Club Information Plus Committee Members Contact Details
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Lake Rotoaira is situated at the foot of Mt Tongariro on the northern side, accessed from
either SH 47 or the Te Ponanga Saddle road from Tokaanu. The alternative local name is
the “Maori Lake” as it is owned by the Ngati Tuwharetoa which means that in addition to
a Taupo licence an angler must also have a separate licence to fish this particular lake.
However, from a fishing results viewpoint the additional expense is well worth it!
The rainbow trout which abound in the lake are great fighters and with bright red flesh,
are excellent eating as well. The majority of fishermen (and women) use boats or float1
tubes but my most successful fishing has been from the shore and more specifically, at
the mouth of the Wairehu canal, the outlet canal from Lake Otamangakau further to the
west. Rough vehicle tracks either side of the canal provide access down to the lake shore
but be warned! They can do serious damage to the undercarriage of anything other than a
good four wheel drive.
Both sides of the canal extend into the lake proper with groins made from boulders with
the northern side being considerably longer than the southern. Given the greater level of
fishing opportunity, I prefer the northern side but be careful as one needs to wade out to
the end and although the water is quite shallow, the rocks are very slippery.
I use a floating line with a yarn indicator, about one to one and a half rod lengths of 8-10
pound fluorocarbon leader and two slightly weighted size 10 hair and copper or halfback
nymphs. I cast up and across the gentle current starting along the bank (where there are
often resting fish) and then extending the casts further and further out before walking
about 6 or 8 metres upstream and continuing the same pattern.. If you are fortunate
enough to have the possie to yourself, you can fish several hundred metres of bank before
repeating the process.
The water is generally clear and with polaroids, you can often see groups of fish quietly
cruising past. May and June have always been the most productive months for me and
while Rotoaira has, in the past, been associated with smaller (but plentiful) fish, there are
some bigger fish to be had as well. My best was a beautiful rainbow jack of 3.4kg.
So grab that licence and give it a go. It could be well worth it!
Dave Symes - President.
Kerry’s
early
morning
work. A
short stroll
out the back
of the Lodge,
three casts
and two fish.
Not bad at
all. Photo
courtesy of
Kerry Blank.
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FISHING REPORT
Auckland / Waikato
A recent expedition down to the Waikato area saw good numbers of smaller fish taking
both the size 14 Hares Ear and size 16 Mayfly Nymphs as well as the size 14 attractor
dries.
Unfortunately only a couple of the larger fish could be persuaded to bite and only one of
those was landed, (but it was all caught on video ). The rest were good ‘competition’
fish. That is, all under 2pds and easy to land quickly.
We were fishing in the middle reaches of the river and I suspect that a journey into the
upper reaches may well have resulted in more large fish.
Rotorua
What can we say about Rotorua? Well, Lake Rotoiti continues to produce some
spectacularly conditioned Trout to the Jiggers. Russel and Brendan from Fish City have
both been down there recently and whilst they didn’t ‘clean up’ they did catch good
numbers of very fat fish with several Rainbows in the 7 – 8 pound range. Ask them nicely
at the next Club Night and they might just tell you what flies were working.
The Lake Rotorua tributaries have had some excellent runs of both Rainbows and
Browns lately with some BIG Browns holding in the deeper pools. A number of Club
Members have been down there over the last month and all have come away with happy
smiles!
Taupo Region
Some anglers were in the store yesterday reporting seeing some good sized fish in the
Tongariro (which I suspected to be browns). They provided them with "hours of casting
practice" ;-) , however I have also heard some others managed to catch some.
Some anglers have reported how slimy the river is but in the past "slime means nymphs".
The nymphs love the slime and with the lack of rain / flooding then there should be an
abundance of nymph life.
Also take care when wading with this slime as you may find yourself going from the
vertical to the horizontal in very quick time!
Reports have indicated that the level of Lake Taupo has dropped down in recent weeks
which is making the rips worth a go. A few reports of some nice fish sneaking into the
rivers. Hinemaiaia reported as having 3 rips and also anglers are able to drive out to the
Waimarino Mouth.
There are still some really nice fish holding in the Tongariro, the pressure on them at the
moment is low, on my walk I spotted outside of Mike (a Turangi Guide) only 2 anglers.
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The last few fish I have landed have been back on the Nymph rig which has been fun
after a solid 2 months of predominantly swinging streamers (Woolly Buggers and the
like). Pheasant Tails and Green & White Caddis doing the damage here.
I have found myself on the odd occasion lately being lazy with my nymph setup and not
changing the leader or flies to suit when changing water and found myself missing
opportunities I should have capitalised on with a few easy adjustments. Don't be like me
guys, do the small things you need first to maximize the big picture.
Andrew – Sporting Life – www.sportinglife-turangi.co.nz
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.
Gary with
a prime
condition
4.5pd
small
stream
Brownie.
Photo
courtesy
of Gary
Roberts.
4
QUOTABLE QUOTES
If people concentrated on the really important things of life, there'd be a shortage of
fishing rods.
Doug Larson
LAST CLUB NIGHT
Last month we had Dave McLellan talking to us about his journey to the World Champs
in Ireland. It was a very enjoyable evening and thank you once again Dave.
NEXT CLUB NIGHT – 7.30pm 17th May
This month we have our AGM, followed by… a mystery speaker... This is a great
opportunity to let your Committee know what we are doing right / wrong / or not doing.
This is sure to be an interesting night, and we hope to see you there.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT FLY ROD
Our own resident webmaster Phil Gates, has put a couple of very helpful videos onto the
Club Website, www.nsff.org.nz . They are both by Tim Rajeef, a world champion fly
caster. One is about ‘Choosing The Right Fly Rod’ and the other is about ‘Light Vs
Heavy Weight Fly Rods’. These are excellent informative videos and both are under 3
minutes long, so they are short, and to the point. Check them out.
INFORMATION SHARING
As well as having a guest speaker on Club Nights we would like to give an opportunity for
some of our own Club Members to share knowledge on any fly fishing subjects.
Member Speakers
Besides having a major Speaker on Club Nights we would like to have some of our own
Club Members to speak on any fly fishing subject for 10 – 15 minutes or so.
Some subjects could be:
Local fishing spots.
National / Taupo fishing regulations.
Riparian rights, access.
Clothing and equipment ideas / tips.
Saltwater fishing, what rods / flies.
So, Members please get out there and do some research to enlighten us all.
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TIPS AND TRICKS
The committee can arrange club members to offer advice for subjects requested by
members – also as a 10 minute introduction prior to the Club Night speaker. If there is an
issue that you want information on, or a tip or trick you need to know about; then contact
any Committee Member with the detail. We will arrange for someone to respond at a club
night with the answer or advice.
CLUB TRIPS 2016
February –Ngongotaha River and Rotorua Lakes
March – Lake Otamangakau
May – Ngongotaha River and Rotorua Lakes
August – Tongariro and Tauranga Taupo
October – Kai Iwi Lakes
November – Tuition weekend
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.
WHY WE FISH
There are always new places to go fishing. For any fisherman, there’s always a new
place, always a new horizon.
Jack Nicklaus
FISHING BUDDIES SOUGHT
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 flyfishing dating service…
Name
Ron Blair
Charles Wilma
Availability
Contact Details
Anytime, now has a brand new 14.4
Marco with 60hp e_tec Evenrude for
serious fishing Salt or Fresh
ron.blair@xtra.co.nz
Anytime but would prefer
home 09 963 2020
Mid-week
mobile 021 067 3253
chwilma@yahoo.com
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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
Graham Carter
Lives in Hamilton, keen on
021 026 00437
weekday / mid-week trips.
07 855 1833
Lloyd Altham
Has 12' Pontoon boat /15 HP Honda. Mob. 021 0295 9167
Available most time, but prefer
Home 09 420 3120
weekdays.
email-lloyd@skysupply.co.nz
Matt Meikle
Available both week days and
09 908 1909
Weekends
027 285 7521
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
JOKE OF THE MONTH
A middle-aged frumpy couple return to a Mercedes dealership where the salesman has
just sold the car they were interested in to a beautiful, leggy, busty blonde.
"I thought you said you would hold that car till we raised the £75,000 asking price," said
the man.
"Yet I just heard you close the deal for £65, 000 to the lovely young lady there. You
insisted there could be no discount on this model."
"Well, what can I tell you? She had the ready cash and, just look at her, how could I
resist?" replied the grinning salesman.
Just then the young woman approached the middle-aged couple and gave them the keys.
"There you go," she said. "I told you I would get the dope to reduce it. See you later,
dad."
Never mess with the old uns!
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Jimmy is at it again, 14.5pds of Tekapo Rainbow! Photo courtesy of James Teen.
MAY CLUB TRIP TO NGONGOTAHA RIVER AND ROTORUA AREA
This year’s MAY Club Trip to fish the Ngongotaha River and the Rotorua region is
taking place on the weekend of Friday 20th, Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of May. We
will again be staying at the Paradise Valley Lodge, which backs onto the river. Costs will
be $90.00 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. 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.
Spots on this Trip often fill up quickly so contact me as soon as possible.
Organiser for this trip is Duncan Frew, available on 021 648 956 or iconp@ihug.co.nz
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Faith Moon
with 3 fresh
Rainbows (of
12 hooked)
caught at a
Rotorua
stream
mouth on the
February
Club Trip.
She looks
happy! Photo
courtesy of
Gary Roberts.
NSFF CLUB CALENDARS
We are still having some difficulties with the pricing of the Calendars but hope to have
that sorted soon. In the meantime anyone who would like to send through their photos to
potentially go into the Club Calendar please do so. All fly-fishing related photos are
eligible, be they of fish caught, beautiful scenery, or anything else fly-fishing at all.
Please send your photos through to iconp@ihug.co.nz. These photos are for use in the
Club Calendar only and will not be distributed elsewhere, shared online, or even used in
the Club Newsletter without your express written permission.
ENVELOPES FOR SALE
I have 120 pre-paid envelopes, size 380 x 260 mm (slightly larger than A4) that I no
longer need. Originally self-sealing, the adhesive is old and would need to be augmented
with Sellotape. A4 envelopes of this type retail for $2.90. You can purchase my lot for
$180 - $ 1.50 each - and the proceeds will be donated to the club. My contact details are
at the end of the newsletter.
Dennis Smith
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2016 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 17th
May 2016 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.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Welcome
Apologies
President’s report
Treasurer’s report and financial situation
Set subscription rate for the year (already done)
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 10th May 2016.
RUAKITURI RIVER
This is intended to be a brief introduction to
this highly-regarded North Island fishery for
those who are unfamiliar with it. The
Ruakituri Valley is about as far away from
Auckland as one can get in the North Island:
8¾ hour’s drive including a couple of short
stops. From Auckland you can either take the
Napier – Taupo road and drive up the coast
to Wairoa before heading inland, or travel the
shorter but slower route via Rotorua and the
Waikaremoana road, SH38.
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The Ruakituri is part of the Wairoa River
system which drains the eastern Te Urewera
ranges. The headwaters of this branch are in
the bush-clad Huiarau Range north-east of
Lake Waikaremoana. It runs some 35 km to
join the Hangaroa River at the spectacular
Te Reinga Falls where it becomes the
Wairoa River. The geology of the area,
sandstones and mudstones, affects the
nature of the river bed (see photo 4) and
water quality, as does the steep topography
of the surrounding hills. A consequence of
River in vicinity of Tuahu Station, November 2015. Friend Darl about to hook a nice rainbow.
the unstable nature of the country is that the river gets dirty after any moderate rain,
making fishing difficult and crossings dangerous. On my recent trip I arrived to find the
river clearing after rain 2 or 3 days earlier, and on Days 2 and 3 water clarity was good.
So luck was on my side.
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Four km on from the small settlement of Ruakituri, the sealed road forks and changes to
gravel. A short distance along the left hand road there is easy access to a limited stretch
of river at the Erepeti Bridge. Upstream of this section the river enters the Erepeti Gorge,
which is for the very adventurous in fine weather, low flow conditions.
Papuni Road, the right hand fork, will eventually take you right up to the boundary of
what used to be Te Urewera national park. From the first part of the road you can check
out the Erepeti Gorge. Papuni Station, at the end of the road, has riparian rights, so the
permission of the farm manager is required if you wish to fish this part of the river. Just
below the manager’s house, the river enters the Papuni Gorge. This presents a strenuous
day’s fishing clambering over and around boulders on the way up the river and all the
Photo 4. River near the Anglers’ Access sign on Papuni Road, downstream from Papuni Station. Boulderhoppers’ paradise! March 2016
way back. For the tramper/fisher there is about 15 km of river above the road end.
Downstream of Papuni Station an Anglers’ Access sign identifies a stretch of river with a
number of promising pools. Other parts of the river require the landowner’s permission to
walk across farmland.
The river above the Ruakituri settlement contains stretches of relatively shallow, boulderstrewn water where, in clear conditions fish may be able to be sighted. However it more
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typically consists of long, slow, deep pools linked by riffles and runs, of which Photo 4 is
an example. Even a small amount of colouration in the water makes it difficult to spot
fish in the pools unless they are sitting high up against a papa shelf on the edge, keeping
an eye on surface activity. So from my perspective, drifting a nymph or two through the
faster water is the first angling choice.
There are various accommodation options in the valley. On my 3-day visit in late March,
I stayed in a house at Tuahu Station (Bookabach #25018), one of the original sheep
stations in the area.
You can read more on the fishery in the following books:
North Island Trout Fishing Guide; John Kent
Hooked on Trout; Ron Giles
21 Great NZ Trout Waters; Tony Orman
Dennis Smith
CHANGE TO TAUPO FISHING REGULATIONS PROCESS
Press Release - Hon Maggie Barry, Minister of Conservation 21/04/2016
Amendments to how regulations are made for the Lake Taupo trout fishery will make its
management more responsive, Conservation Minister Maggie Barry says.
“The change will allow fishing conditions developed by the Taupo Fishery Advisory
Committee, including the key management tools of daily bag and fish size limits, to be
approved solely by the Minister of Conservation rather than through the Cabinet process,
as was the case,” Ms. Barry says.
“The new process will make it easier to respond to the natural year-by-year changes in
fish size and abundance. Currently, this takes too long and is a cause of some frustration
for anglers,”
“What it means is that in a year where there are more trout spawning we can raise the bag
limit to allow anglers to catch more – and likewise, in a year where fish are smaller on
average we can reduce the size limit to protect breeding stock and safeguard the fishery.”
Fishing regulation changes for Taupo can also now be published as Gazette angler
notices, as happens in all other New Zealand trout fisheries.
“The Taupo Fishery Advisory Committee, Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board and the Taupo
angling community have all been supportive of this change,” Ms. Barry says.
Gazetted today, the new regulations will take effect from May 19.
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“The trout fishery is worth $11 million a year to the Taupo economy and supports around
300 jobs – these minor changes will make its management more flexible and in line with
other trout fisheries across the country.”
LAKE TARAWERA
Contrary to rumour, I do go fishing quite regularly, and the most recent excursion was to
Lake Tarawera, where I joined our Tauranga member Chris Mitchell and his partner
Silvana.
Chris had booked the F&G hut on the Wairua Stream for a couple of nights. This is to be
found on the west side of the southern arm of the lake and for practical purposes requires
boat access. The hut, which is about 200m from the shore, is generally well equipped and
sleeps up to four people. The Wairua is an important spawning stream and the mouth
supports 2 or 3 rods for night or early morning fishing. During the day, most of our effort
went into jigging near the thermocline at 20 m, although we did fly fish several other
stream mouths.
The hut is available to licence holders for $25 per night. In return for this modest sum, F&G
require you to record your catch details in the hut log book. If you are interested in staying at
the hut you can contact Mark Sherburn or one of the other staff at Ngongataha Hatchery on
07 357 5501. An added attraction is a hot pool near the hut.
Dennis Smith
ROUND THE TRAPS WITH THE NZFFA
Slippery Steps For Freshwater
The deadline for public submissions on the Government's Next Steps for Freshwater
proposals has just passed and consensus has emerged from advocacy organisations. The
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Environmental Defence Society, Forest & Bird, NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers,
Tourism Industry Association, Tourism Export Council, Council of Outdoor Recreation
Associations NZ (CORANZ), Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment and the
NZ Recreation Association all submitted, and all picked up on common themes such as:
1. The Government proposals fail to give clarity, direction or meaning to long-term
freshwater management.
2. The use of freshwater is a privilege, not a right, and some form of payment for use may
be reasonable for such privilege.
3. Unused allocations to take water should be "returned" to the river or aquifer.
4. Freshwater is a fundamental foundation of our tourism industry. Visitors come to see
lakes, waterfalls and valleys, not dry river beds, pivot irrigators and concrete ponds.
5. Freshwater should be of swimmable standard. Despite no-one suggesting rivers in
spate or thermal springs laden with heavy metals should be swimmable for example, the
kicking and screaming from Nick Smith, Minister for the Environment, that swimmable
is not practical is a U-turn, or demotion to the back benches, just waiting to happen.
6. The balance of all interests, corporate, family farm, Iwi and the public of New Zealand
needs sorting pronto.
7. There is an immense heritage in New Zealanders being able to swim, fish, boat, kayak,
drink and enjoy rivers and lakes which are clean and full.
One issue currently front and centre stage is water ownership. Legally, John Key may be
correct when he stated "no-owns the water" as this statement reflects the "usufructuary"
nature of water - the right to use and enjoy as distinct from the right to own. Currently,
the right to take water in the form of an allocation is determined under the Resource
Management Act and agreed between a local council and the water taker in terms of how
much and for how long. Other than the water taker having to pay the Council for their
time in evaluating the resource consent application, plus any legal support they choose to
engage, the water is free of charge. Free market proponents suggest that if water was
charged for, only those who use it efficiently (i.e the cost of the water is less than the
revenue it generates for the user) would purchase it and hence we would migrate to a
higher value production economy and less water would be used. A win-win for the
economy and the environment.
This sounds great....except it is based on two premises which may not bear out in
reality: One is that the water price must be high enough to "force" this migration to high
value producers and second, those who can't afford the water have something else to
do. As an example, using figures supplied by the NZ Institute of Chemistry and Sciblog,
it takes on average 1020 litres of water to produce one litre of milk and 11 litres of milk
to produce 1kg skimmed milk powder (SMP), thus each kilo of SMP requires around
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11.2 cubic metres of water. Current forecasts for SMP this season is $4.15/kg, so if all
dairy farmers were to pay the proposed Ruataniwha dam price of 27.5c/cubic metre, then
the input costs would rise by $3.08/kg leaving the farmer a paltry $1.07 for every kilo of
SMP. Given the average break-even price is around $4.50, there is no way such a pricing
scheme would float (no pun intended)
Another risk is that with a charge on water comes an inferred property right on that water
with opportunities to trade it as for any other commodity. History has shown, whether
in the Americas, Africa, Asian, Europe or the Indian sub-continent that tradeable water
rights inevitably ending up concentrating ownership into the hands of a few. The Quota
Management System for our fishery is a good lesson of how quickly small individual
property rights to a natural resource are quickly consolidated by corporates such as
Sanfords and Sealord, forcing smaller operators out of business. The thought of a large
overseas company owning New Zealand water, determing who can have it and for how
much is pretty frightening.
And the practicalities of tradeable water rights often seem to go unnoticed –
infrastructure to physically enable the transfer of a water take from one area to another
which has been responsible for the destruction of so many freshwater ecosystems so far.
As long as freshwater is kept foremost in all our minds then we have a fighting chance of
protecting our rivers for the important things such as enjoying them in their natural state.
Carpe Diem!
David Haynes – President - NZFFA
('Usufructuary' is a technical term in law for a person who has the right to enjoy the
products of property he does not own.)
100 FACTS ABOUT TROUT – THE WILD TROUT TRUST
The following is the second of a series of articles that cover 100 facts about Trout that
you may not know. It has been taken from the Wild Trout Trust Website
www.wildtrout.org . These people seem to do great work in the UK and their site is well
worth a visit.
Habitat
96. Brown trout tend to grow most quickly in the productive rivers and streams
towards the south of the British Isles. For example, a three-year old fish in a
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Hampshire chalkstream could be more than 12" long. A three-year old trout in an
acidic stream in the Highlands might be less than 6" long.
97.
Heavy sediment loads in spawning gravels of southern chalkstreams have
been shown to kill all deposited trout eggs. However any eggs that do hatch
produce young that grow quickly and have a better than average survival rate.
98. Growth rate and river / lake productivity does not necessarily dictate how
large a trout will grow. Ferox are the largest trout in the British Isles, and often
inhabit lakes with poor productivity. In these conditions they live much longer
than other trout and attain weights of over 31lbs by feeding on a high protein diet
of other fish.
99. Growth rates of brown trout vary enormously in different types of river and
lake. The main distinction is between base rich/ calcium rich rivers (chalk streams
and limestone based rivers) where food is abundant and trout grow rapidly, and
the acidic rivers which are less productive and trout grown more slowly, or
become sea trout.
100. In rivers, trout are territorial and will often chase away other trout from their
feeding lies and bolt holes. In lakes, where there is no localised "preferred area" to
defend, trout are less aggressive.
AUCKLAND / WAIKATO REEL LIFE APRIL
Trout Top Up For Lake Pupuke
Lake Pupuke on Auckland's North
Shore has received its annual stock-up
of young trout.
Waikato Fish & Game released
catchable-sized trout into the lake on
April 27th.
Dr. Adam Daniel and a youngster
release fish at Sylvan Park.
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Fish & Game shifted the traditional May release to April after receiving requests from
parents and grandparents looking for outdoor entertainment for kids over the school
holidays.
This year’s event was kindly
sponsored by Pure Fishing NZ and
Berkley products who’ve come on
board to help local kids get the
opportunity to fish in Auckland.
The release precedes the Lake Pupuke
Challenge Fishing Competition on
May 1st put on by the North Shore
Flyfishers Club. The event, also held
at Sylvan Park, is a great family
activity with plenty of prizes.
Eager helpers at the Lake Pupuke fish
release.
Big Win In Affco Hearing
As most of the business along the Waikato River have been making plans to reduce
discharges into the river, AFFCO and Open Country Dairy, both owned by Talley’s
Group Limited, recently applied to nearly double the amount of pollution discharged
from their Horotiu plant.
The increase was to come from a proposed Open Country Dairy factory that was going to
discharge through the existing AFFCO effluent system which empties into the Waikato
River.
The proposal came as huge shock to Fish & Game staff when the Waikato dairy
community is being asked to drastically reduce pollution to help clean up the Waikato
and Waipa Rivers.
The legally binding Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River requires that both rivers to
be swimmable in their entirety.
Other corporates including Fonterra have recently made significant moves to clean up the
region’s waterways by agreeing to reduce plat discharges and by requiring suppliers to
fence waterways.
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Open Country Dairy on the other hand does not require their suppliers to fence off
waterways, and by applying to increase the AFFCO discharge showed a complete
disregard for the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River.
Not surprisingly, Fish & Game were not the only organisation that was appalled by this
proposal and were joined in opposition to the AFFCO discharge consents by the Waikato
Regional Council and Tainui.
Staff members Dr. Adam Daniel and Corina Jordan both gave evidence at the hearing to
support Fish & Game’s request that the discharge be reduced, not increased.
Fortunately the hearing panel agreed with Fish & Game, WRC and Tainui and ultimately
issued conditions that will limit AFFCO to about half of the total amount of pollutants
they requested to discharge into the Waikato River.
EASTERN REEL LIFE APRIL 2016
Get Ready For Shoreline Fishing, Trout In Top Knotch Condition
Winter shoreline fishing has begun slowly through April with peaks in action typically
occurring after rainfall.
Our Te Wairoa and
Ngongotaha fish traps have
both been in action and
catching some solid trout, with
browns from the latter
displaying excellent condition.
The joys of autumn shoreline
fishing.
As we swing in May and early
June expect the night fishing
to improve at the trout release
points and spawning streams.
Boat angling on the lakes has become a little less predictable as surface temperatures cool
to around 18 degrees, but at time of writing the thermocline remains firm at 20 metres.
Fish are being found feeding in the thermocline but also frequenting the surface water
chasing smelt.
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Early morning harling can be very productive in relatively shallow water at this time of
year, but we suggest boaties try a few different methods until they strike success.
Boat fishing on the shallower lakes has also improved since temperatures cooled with
trolling off Mokoia on Lake Rotorua being a standout.
Pest Fish Update – Lake Rotoiti
Further to last month’s report of catfish being found in Rotoiti, the Bay of Plenty
Regional Council has been carrying out extensive monitoring of the lake.
Over 50 further specimens have been caught, mostly also from Te Weta Bay, and one
fish from Okere Inlet.
The most recent surveys in mid-April resulted no further fish being caught outside Te
Weta.
In the meantime, anglers are reminded of the importance of checking and cleaning all
equipment every time, before using it in a different waterway.
Anglers can help to manage this problem by being vigilant about equipment hygiene and
reporting any cat fish or any other pest sightings.
Still Time To Have Your Say On Fishing Rules
The fishing regulations for the upcoming 2016-17 angling season are still under review,
and there's time to have your say.
The ‘angling rules’ are examined every second season by the Eastern Region Fish and
Game Council.
Submissions on the regulations are sought so that the Council may consider whether they
need to be altered or updated.
This process allows licence holders to comment on any changes they think should be
made to the current angling regs and brought into ‘law’ for the upcoming season.
Any suggestions made to alter the current regulations are presented to the Eastern Region
Fish and Game Council made up of elected licenceholders. Final decisions are made at
the June Council meeting.
Send in your suggestions and reasons for the changes along with your contact details to:
Eastern Region Fish & Game, Private Bag 3010, Rotorua 3046.
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Click
http://eastern.fishandgame.org.nz/sites/default/files/Eastern/Fishing/Issues%20and%20O
ptions%20discussion%20doc%20Anglers%20Notice%20Eastern%202016.pdf
for a Pdf copy of the issues and options discussion document outlining the process and
submissions being considered thus far.
Contact mosborne@fishandgame.org.nz for additional information on the above, or to
provide a submission to the Anglers Notice. The deadline is the end of May 2016.
HUNTING & FISHING ACCESS PROTECTED UNDER NEW LAWS
Media Release – Fish & Game NZ – 22/04/2016
Game bird hunter access to traditional hunting spots on farm dams, rivers and creeks
remains unaffected by new workplace safety legislation.
The 2016 game bird hunting season opens in a few weeks on May 7 and runs to the end
of August for some species.
The season is enjoyed by more than 40, 000 hunters around the country but some have
expressed concern that the new workplace safety laws could affect access to their normal
hunting spots.
Farmers and landowners have also questioned if they have to re-think the access they
have previously been happy to grant to their properties for recreational users.
Fish & Game is reassuring both famers and hunters that the new laws will not impact on
recreational use.
“Fish & Game and Federated Farmers worked closely together to make sure that
recreational access to farms wasn’t affected by the law changes.
“Both organisations recognise the value of such access and happily, the parliamentary
select committee considering the draft legislation agreed,” says Don Rood, Fish &
Game’s national communications manager.
“The result is that Parliament has safeguarded access for anglers, hunters and trampers,”
says Mr. Rood.
“The decision by MPs to protect recreation is welcome as it preserves a long and
treasured tradition of access to the outdoors through farms and forests. This access has
long helped foster positive links between urban and rural residents.”
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Fish & Game says the close co-operation between it and Federated Farmers on the issue
has dispelled a lot of the rumour and speculation which had built up over the new laws.
“The new Health and Safety at Work Act clarifies that a farmer’s responsibility for any
risk on their farmland does not extend to recreational users, except when work is being
carried out in that particular part of the farm at the time.
“This defuses fears that recreational users would have to get detailed safety briefings
from farmers and fill in paperwork every time they wanted to go onto a farm,” he says.
Fish & Game is happy to provide help to hunters and farmers wanting clarification about
the new law.
However, Fish & Game says the new law doesn’t give game bird hunters the right to
roam at will over farms without permission.
“Our licence holders should still exercise common courtesy and talk to farmers and get
permission to cross their land or hunt on a farm’s dams and wetlands. And while you are
talking to them, it makes sense to ask about any risks at the same time,” Mr. Rood says.
“The law takes a dim view of illegal hunting and Fish & Game supports tough action
against any poacher.”
FISH & GAME AWARDS NORTH CANTERBURY FARMERS ENVIRONMENT
PRIZE
Media Release – Fish & Game NZ – 28/04/2016
The dedicated efforts of a group of
farmers to protect a North Canterbury
stream have been recognised by Fish &
Game with an environmental award.
The Waikuku Water Management
Group is the first recipient of North
Canterbury Fish and Game’s “Working
with Nature Award” for outstanding
efforts to improve local freshwater
habitats.
Right: Bill Wilson from the Waikuku Water Management Group.
The Award recognises what Fish & Game describes as the dedicated efforts of a number
of farmers to protect and give back to the Waikuku Stream.
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North Canterbury Fish and Game’s Environmental Advisor Scott Pearson says the new
award was introduced to acknowledge a growing number of farmers who have taken their
own steps to improve or protect streams and rivers near their properties.
“Fish and Game has been critical of the plight of many Canterbury streams and rivers, but
at the same time we actively seek workable solutions to the problem. The awards are a
great opportunity to celebrate some local success stories,” Mr. Pearson says.
The Waikuku Water Management Group is delighted with the award.
The group’s leader, Bill Wilson, says they are especially pleased to be the inaugural
winners.
“The group felt it was time to pay back something to our waterways which have been
such a benefit to their families. Our members have focused on being a hundred percent
compliant with their effluent management, and getting recognition for their water
management over several decades is hugely satisfying.
“We are delighted with Fish & Game's decision to institute the award to recognise
suitable groups for their performance helping the environment,” Mr. Wilson says.
The Waikuku Water Management Group won the prize for devising an innovative way to
decide who most needs the limited water resources available at any given time. This
allocation is critical over the spring and summer periods when low flows in the Waikuku
Stream require consented water users to carefully manage how much water they take.
By collectively sharing their water allocation, the group has found a solution that is more
sustainable for both the environment and their farming operations.
Long-serving North Canterbury Fish & Game councilor Peter Robinson says the award
winners are providing an important example for all Canterbury.
“What the group does sounds simple but it’s really quite ingenious. Instead of focusing
on what resources they don’t have, these farmers have pooled their water resources and
worked together,” says Mr. Robinson.
The Waikuku Water Management Group has also extended its commitment to the
environment by undertaking significant stream-side restoration and enhancement,
planting thousands of trees and shrubs and installing fencing up to the Waikuku’s
springhead source.
Scott Pearson is impressed. “The results speak for themselves. The salmon are now back
in the Waikuku, with healthy numbers returning to spawn. What makes this all the more
special is that this wonderful sight is now uncommon in lowland Canterbury streams,”
Mr. Pearson says.
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Bill Wilson puts the group’s success down to a simple philosophy.
“We work on the simple principle that it is better to work with people than against
them. As a result, over the years we have been blessed with help from many people.
“In fact, one of the first was in the 1980’s when Professor Wally Clarke was involved
with Fish & Game. We took him on a tour of our various projects and he proved to be a
great mentor for our group.
“This tour exercise has been repeated many times with great effect,” says Mr. Wilson.
Bill Wilson is also paying tribute to his group’s members, which he says are a good
bunch of North Canterbury farmers with a great attitude and team spirit.
North Canterbury Fish & Game is now organising a field trip to demonstrate the methods
used by the Waikuku Water Management Group to other farmers. The tour is planned for
the coming spring, although details are still to be finalised. Interested farmers are invited
to contact North Canterbury Fish & Game to register their interest in attending.
AT THE END ARE THE RAINBOWS
Hugh Creasy
From the willows on the river bank they came, aerial wisps of filament in the still air,
staying airborne on tiny updrafts. They crossed the water, where the trout rose to caddis
flies.
The trout were splashy and noisy; some could be of takeable size, and most were
enthusiastic takers of the fly. A tiny rainbow trout wriggled through the water to bite
down on a barbed hook, a nuisance fish that adds to the tally but wastes good fishing
time.
A strand of web drifted onto my hat and its tiny pilot dangled in front of my glasses. A
spider of miniscule proportions hung there, caught on its momentous voyage. I wiped it
away and its sticky web tangled in my fingers – an annoyance soon dismissed.
Swallows darted across the reach, and two of them settled on a dead willow branch. It
took only a few seconds for a falcon to target them. It crossed the reach at speed, the last
50 metres of flight at a glide, leaving a trail of hushed sound as it passed, jet speed and
deadly. The swallows saw it coming and just before it struck they flew in opposite
directions. The falcon, a young bird, hit the branch and hung there, talons empty, for a
few seconds, before flying in search of easier and more rewarding prey.
The river ran clear over algae-covered boulders, streaked with dark brown weed, and
every two or three casts the hook had to be checked for weed. Wading was treacherous.
There was no sure footing. With aged knees teetering in the current I cast a lightly
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weighted nymph to splashy rises in the hope that something of size would take. A tree
stump disturbed the flow and in the varied currents that surrounded it, laid the best hope
of taking a good-sized fish.
The weed and algae made good cover for fish. Their shadows didn’t show, and though
the rainbows were brightly coloured they remained invisible. There was a flash of colour
alongside the stump, as a fish rose, taking something from the fast water. It rose again,
not breaking the surface, and a cast a few seconds later, landed the hare’s ear in a
tempting place. The fish took the fly, and then leapt clear of the water on the strike – an
orange spotted brown of dogged nature. It put a bend in the rod and the reel buzzed as it
took line.
The fish wasn’t big – just big enough to elicit admiration at its determination. It fought
well but the wide-gaped hook was deep set and there was no escape. I slid it up a beach
and killed it. The hook was deeply embedded and too much damage would have been
done if I had tried to release the fish.
I find wide-gaped hooks have greater penetration than normal hooks, but their use
lengthens the odds of survival if you want to release fish.
These autumn days of clear skies, clear water, caddis and mayflies rising, and trout
desperate to gain condition before spawning and the hardships of winter, are the halcyon
days, but winter is coming when frosts rime the river banks and bare-branched willows
glow red in the lowering sun. Quivering hen fish, bulging with eggs will clear slime from
stony redds, making a clear patchwork of grey pebbles on the river bed.
Kype-jawed jacks, randy, sex driven, will battle to spread their sperm over the egg-filled
cavities dug by the hens. They are driven to exhaustion from which many will not
recover. They will drift down the rapids during winter, bulging-eyed, black-skinned
starvelings too weak to recover, shunned by their brethren, the drive to procreate has
sentenced them to death. Their progeny, though, locked in eggs tightly clustered in their
millions will, in six weeks wriggle their way to freedom and the dangers of the natural
world. Many factors will influence their survival. Many will become prey to scavengers.
They will encounter flood, turmoil and pollution. They will suffer attack from the air as
well as the water, and the survivors will be strong, tempered by hardship.
The upper reaches of many of our rivers will be closed to angling while the drama of
procreation takes place. These are the prime breeding waters and we protect them as we
must if there are to be fish for the taking in the new season.
Autumn is the season of plenty, when hunters bring home the catch and lay down the fat
that sees them through winter’s hardship.
For now, enjoy the fruitfulness of the rivers. Winter is coming and things will change.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
I’ve got a new game we can all play, “Where’s Winter?”
Lake Pupuke is still 19 – 20 degrees, the Hauraki Gulf is still 19 degrees, even Lake
Rotorua is still 17 degrees, and Trout in the small streams are still happily taking dry flies.
I’m stuffed if I know the cause, Global Warming, a massive El Nino year, or just ‘one out
of the bag’, but I have never seen a May like it.
However, like the Starks, I am sure Winter Is Coming, and when it does be prepared for
some seriously good fishing. That first big drop in the barometer and some serious
rainfall, and the Trout will run. In the meantime I plan to enjoy the golden weather!
FISHING FUNNIES
You should
have seen the
snapper I
caught this
morning….it
was this big!
That’s
nothing…
hang on a
second and
I’ll regurgitate
my kingi!!
Wankers
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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 3rd 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 - Ron Blair
09 834 8841 Te Atatu
ron.blair@xtra.co.nz
Members
John Dernie
0272 288 616 Glenfield dernie@xtra.co.nz
Trevor Jones
09 817 1026 Titirangi
jones.t@xtra.co.nz
Faith Moon
027 538 1040 Parnel
faith.moon@xtra.co.nz
Mark Norton
0274 740 750 mark.norton@developmentauckland.co.nz
Maurice Parlane 021 650 692 Northcote maurice.p@newwayz.co.nz
Dennis Smith 376-3375
Herne Bay de.smith@xtra.co.nz
North Shore Flyfishers Incorporated: P.O. Box 31-387, Milford, North Shore City
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