Johnsons Super Kobras . Many trout anglers will be pleased to hear that Johnsons Super Kobras will soon be readily available in tackle stores again. Johnsons have moved from Tasmania to Queensland . We'll have more about Johnsons famous fish tail kobras on Fishingmag.co.nz next week. These really are one of the best trout spinning and trolling lures you can get!
Salmon Reports
A 12 lb salmon was reported caught in the Rakaia River in late November on the Fishingmag.co.nz Salmon Forum . Another good one was reported by Kevo85 as being hooked and lost – see picture.
There are also reports of good sized searun trout in the lower Waimakariri River and at least one salmon has been caught in the lower river.
Robyn from Rakaia River Holiday Park reports, “We weighed in a 23 lb salmon at the end of November, but haven't had anything since. There was a 26 lb fish caught at the SHW1 Bridge on Monday - (word of mouth only). The river is clear and fishable at the moment, and we are now just waiting for the rest of the fishy tribe to start heading up.” Rakaia River Holiday Park www.rakaiariverholidaypark.co.nz
Waimakariri River Trout and Salmon Fishing Restrictions Lifted
I spoke today with Dr Alistair Humphreys , the Medical Officer of Health for the CDHB. Dr Humphreys assures me that there are no restrictions on trout or salmon fishing in the Waimakariri River of any kind. Dr Humphreys however warned that the water is unsafe to drink and advises anglers that they should wash they hands, and fishing tackle down, well with clean soapy water after fishing the Kaiapoi or lower Waimakariri Rivers . They should also gut, wash, and cook well any fish taken from these rivers.
There are two large sewer pipes that pass under the Kaiapoi River and these pipes are broken and leaking untreated sewage directly into the Kaiapoi River . He expected that untreated sewage would continue to pollute both rivers for quite some time yet. He also reported that no effort was being spared to fix the problem. The Kaiapoi River feeds into the Waimakariri River at McIntoshes Rocks and the tide washes the contaminated water back up stream in the Waimakariri River at least as far as the SH1 bridge.
I know there has been some confusion with regard to fishing in the Kaiapoi and Waimakariri Rivers so I will repeat. It is save to fish at McIntoshes and at the Waimakariri River mouth provided the precautions suggested by Dr Humphreys are adhered to.
Many would suggest they would prefer not to eat fish if the river is contaminated with human waste. This may be valid for trout but salmon aren't feeding once they enter the rivers on their way upstream to spawn.
Rangitata River Salmon Fishing
Peter Ritchie reports that there have been at least 100 salmon caught so far this season in the Rangiata River . Pete has just landed a 10.4 kg hen salmon and his mate a similar sized jack fish. There have been at least 29 salmon taken on the north side and at least 18 on the south side of the mouth. Plus there were quite a few more salmon taken upstream in recent weeks. The Rangitata River often fishes well early season. Mind you anglers tend to get a better shot at the fish in the surf where they tend to congregate before running the river. So if you can afford the extra gas the “Rangi” might be a better bet for a salmon in the surf at present.
Latest Website Updates
Swimming Upstream - How Salmon Farming Developed in New Zealand by Jennifer Haworth – This is a very interesting book with hundreds of excellent photographs.
The Gathering Storm over the Foreshore and Seabed – Why they must remain in Crown ownership by Dr Hugh Barr
Rakaia River Mouth Salmon and Whitebait A more recent look at the Rakaia River mouth. Locals and visitors are hoping a flood through the river will change the shape of the mouth and make it better suited for salmon fishing.
The Complete Guide to River Mouth Salmon Fishing DVD with Allan Burgess. Includes YouTube video link of short out-takes. As a subscriber to this newsletter, and for the next 24 hous only, you can get this dvd and accompanying compact disk with Trolling and Spin Fishing for Trout and 4x4's for Fishing electronic books at a substantial discount by using this special link. This Special Price Link will be taken down at midnight tomorrow. The Complete Guide to River Mouth Salmon Fishing DVD with Allan Burgess. Please Note: This Special Offer has now expired!
Our next Fishingmag.co.nz Trout & Salmon Fishing Newsletter will be sent to you next Friday 17 December 2010 so look out for it in your mail box.
If you would like to add something to next week's newsletter, or wish to comment, we would appreciate hearing from you at: allan@fishingmag.co.nz
Until next time, best wishes and tight lines
Allan Burgess - Editor
www.fishingmag.co.nz
allan@fishingmag.co.nz
Tel: 033513040
12 Westholme Street ,
Christchurch, New Zealand.
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