When can you fish for trout in NZ?
The main trout fly fishing season opens on the 1st October and runs through until the end of April. The are some exceptions to these dates so check on the Guide pages for any local differences. There is some good winter fishing available, particularly in the Central North Island in the Taupo area.
Where do trout go in winter NZ?
Winter is traditionally a quiet time for trout fishing on the Taranaki ring-plain as most waters are closed for the trout spawning season. But fishing is still available in a number of local lakes and the lower reaches of rivers and streams that flow from Mt Taranaki are open in their lower reaches below SH45.
Can you keep trout in NZ?
To legally fish for trout in New Zealand, as well as many other countires, requires a licence. This licence must be carried at all times while fishing. Licences are obtainable at most sports and fishing tackle stores near fishing waters. Many motels and garages near fishing water often have licences.
What is the fishing season in NZ?
The river fishing season in our southern latitude varies slightly depending on which part of New Zealand you are fishing in. In our area at the top of the South Island, the fishing season opens on 1 October and ends on 30 April, so fishing starts in spring, moves to summer and ends in autumn/fall.
Is Trout fishing good in winter?
Trout do feed in winter, especially if water temperatures climb above 40 degrees. If the law allows, try winter trout fishing in your area. Trout won’t be found everywhere, though, in fact they will probably be concentrated in just a few pools.
Are trout less active in winter?
In the winter, everything slows down, and your presentation needs to do the same. Trout aren’t nearly as active in the winter as they are in the summer, and therefore won’t be eager to chase down food. Instead, they’ll lay low, feeding opportunistically when food comes past.
How many trout can you catch NZ?
The new rules should increase the number of fish being harvested when the 2017/2018 season starts on July 1. The daily bag limit is increasing from three fish to six fish and the minimum acceptable fish size is being dropped from 40cm to 35cm. Fish smaller than 35cm must be thrown back.
What size trout keep?
A CALIFORNIA FISHING LICENSE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL FISHERMEN OVER AGE 15
| Species | Limit | Size |
|---|---|---|
| Large Mouth Bass | 5 | 12 Inches |
| Striped Bass | 10 | No Size |
| Crappie/Bluegill/Sunfish | 25 | No Size |
| Trout | 5 | No Size |
What are trout eating in April?
All trout are carnivores and large trout will eat small fish where they are available. For instance, they will prey on young-of-the-year minnows and suckers that often crowd shorelines in the spring. Fly-fishers capitalize on this occasion by favoring visible, streamer-type patterns such as Bucktails and Muddlers.