Northland, sometimes known as the winterless north, does not provide optimal conditions for trout as the summer can raise the water temperatures above the comfort level for the fish. That said, there are hundreds of kilometres of rivers and streams plus 5 stillwaters where fishing can be found. Rainbow trout are the predominant species though in Wilson’s Dam and the Wairua River system some brown trout have been released. Most fish are released as fingerlings and some waters do allow trout to spawn providing anglers with some wild fish.
The lakes, reservoirs, rivers and streams can hold three kilo-plus fish, with the average around 1kg. They are generally very hard fighting.
Lakes
The Kai Iwi Lakes (Lake Kai-Iwi, Lake Taharoa and Lake Waikere) used to offer excellent fly fishing and spin fishing for a large population of rainbow trout in a beautiful setting. Fish and Game unfortunately have stopped stocking the lakes to protect some indigenous fish and the lakes now only contain the odd fish.
Rivers
The largest river system is the Wairua River which with its tributaries provide many kilometres of easily accessible water.
There are several other rivers that hold fish as well as some small reservoirs near some of the larger towns. Due to the warm temperatures in the summer many of these fisheries are best fished in the cooler months.
Only one water could be described as providing a wilderness experience and that is the Waipapa River that flows through a beautiful forest near Kaitaia.