Doug Stevens, nzfishing.com's resident angler and writer, shares his travels, experiences and opinions about trout fishing in New Zealand in this regular blog.

Doug is also the spokesperson on environment and outdoor recreation for UnitedFuture.

If you wish to get more information or have an opinion about what has been written please send us an email.

For more background see About us.
Send email to doug@nzfishing.com

You can also listen to an interviews with Doug on National Radio's Morning Report on 15 March 2010, on Hooked on Fishing
and on National Radio talking to Chris Laidlaw.

In an item this morning on National Radio's Morning Report entitled Anglers say access to fishing spots is declining I was able to highlight the issue of anglers being denied access to rivers by landowners on National Radio's on National Radio's Morning Report. Listen to the report...

The following comment was posted on the Radio Network website which shows others are feeling the same way.

"The NZ Federation of Freshwater Anglers congratulates Doug Stevens for highlighting ('Morning Report') a growing problem about which we have expressed concern for some years, namely 'fishing access being sold for pecuniary gain'. Sports fish such as trout are publicly owned in this country, and live in rivers that are also publicly owned. The fish are managed by Fish & Game NZ, a public body. It is an unfortunate truth that increasingly rural landowners are either charging for access or preventing admission to these public resources. It should be noted that it is illegal to sell or let the right to fish in any freshwater. It is one of the reasons that the Walking Access Commission was set up.

The sale of fishing and game-bird shooting rights are protected under the Wildlife Act (Sec 23) and the Conservation Law Reform Act (Sec 26ZN) in New Zealand and we are passionately against seeing any changes to these acts.

The NZFFA condemns this reinstatement of the archaic feudal system of private ownership of public resources. Our forebears were determined not to see this transplanted into New Zealand law. We wholeheartedly agree with their sentiments!"

It is important that we do not allow the egalitarian fishing access be lost and I would be very keen to hear your thoughts on this contentious issue that is possibly the biggest threat to our sport at the moment. So if you've been denied access or know of others who have been unable to access fishing waters, please let me know about it, and also advise whether or not the details can be shared or published. Email me at doug@nzfishing.com.

After speaking with to the Tauranga Fishing club I was able to spend a couple of days on the superb and scenic Waioeka River. I stayed at Wairata Station in one of two delightful cottages -that are a short stroll from one of the best stretches of this marvellous water.

The first day was spent slowly walking upstream and fishing to the large, freely rising fish. In some pools and runs several large fish could be seen sipping gently on something as it drifted past them. Others were making crashing and splashy rises and all the fish seemed to actively be feeding. The first two I cast to nicely rose and took a small parachute adams and my confidence rose accordingly. Less than an hour on the water and two fish already landed. But as I moved upstream the fish suddenly seemed to become more selective. I could drift fly after fly over them to no avail. They hardly looked at them and let them pass overhead without any sign of caution. At times I would find one would take a hopper or a blowfly but most just ignored my offers.

One strange thing I noticed (and it was easy to watch what was happening in the crystal clear water) was that any nymph that I drifted past them would cause them to instantly spook and head for cover. Offerings had to be on or within the surface film.

That day I landed 5 fish and lost many more but what a day and the quiet chalet at the station was a welcome sight on my return. I will be returning to that river and wish to thank Bob and Mary Redpath for the wonderful help they gave me. It was great to find landowners that are so encouraging and supportive and will allow people to access the many kilometres of fishing on their land (Do ring them first to check howvever on 07 315 7761 to check it is OK as they are sometimes moving cattle near parts of the river and it is best to know when and where this is happening).

The next day I decided to fish the main tributary of the Waioeka, the Opato. Again a wonderful stony clear water with a good population of freely rising fish. I found the Opato fish more obliging and landed several, again on a wild assortment of flies including hoppers, royal wulffs, adams and even one on a Daddy-Long-Legs.

However I was also struck by the perils of a warm summer. That evening on my return to Wairata Station I decided to fish one more section at the memorial just above the confluence with the Waioeka. Walking down to the river I saw that I needed to cross and with the confidence born of idiocy, strode into a rather fast run. One rock however was not as stable as I had hoped acusing me to take a rather undignified glide down a small rapid into the pool below.

Getting out I was met by two very attractive young women who had thoroughly enjoyed the spectacle (though maybe not the language) and continued with the taking of a number of photos of me. The weather was warm and so I did not mind the unplanned swim very much. What I did mind however was the loss of a rather expensive buck knife, a reel and a box of flies! I had stupidly not fastened one pocket on the side of my vest and I only discovered my loss later that evening. From now on I ensure all pockets are well zipped, velcroed, domed and buttoned before crossing any rivers. A timely lesson that was to stand me in good stead as I will explain later!

Having a couple of hours to spare while driving to Tauranga to speak to the club there I decided on a whim to visit the small but picturesque Lake McClaren and check it out. This very attractive lake actually lies within a park and as it was a warm day there were many other water users though no other anglers. I drove around several little lanes that wound up and down through the park and inspected likely places to cast a line (I did not really relish the prospect of having too many onlookers) and finally came to the section at the far end which was obviously much less visited.

The water looked inviting with channels through weedbeds visible below the surface. As there was no surface activitry I decided to firstly try a nymph and when that failed went to a small woolly bugger (with the same lack of response). Walking further to the inlet where a small stream feeds into the lake I noticed that the water was much shallower and I suddenly realised I was looking at a good fish feeding along a sandy ridge in quite shallow water. But, as I have noticed on many other occasions, as soon as I moved the rod an inch to prepare to cast, the fish shot for cover. It seemed to let me stand and observe it for sometime but appeared to recognise my dastardly intent when the rod moved.

I walked a few more metres and into some trees and from the cover they provided saw two more feeding fish. I had to walk through the trees and onto some swampy land to get to an area open enough to cast. And again, as soon as I moved into the open the fish disappeared. It would appear that these are well educated fish .

Still, it was good to see fish like these in a lake so close to a city. As I had to get to Tauranga I was not able to explore further but would like to go back to this lake in winter when I think the fish will be much less disturbed by other water sports and park users. I also see this as a great place to take a younger angler to learn to cast and fish.

My next fishing experience however found me looking for fish in a much more disturbing manner.....

Over the past few days when I have been away from any keyboard and computer screen I have had the chance to experience some truly great and some not so great moments on the water. I will be describing these over the next few days.

But before fishing was buiness and I met with Rob Pitketheley from Eastern Region Fish and Game to talk about the access issues that are facing those wishing to get to the superb fishing on the Rangitaiki within the Kaingaroa Forest area. I found that although Timberlands is allowing very limited access to the river (walking only and no overnight camping allowed) and so most of the river remains out of reach for anglers, Rob is making progress. We have to thank Rob and his team for so tirelessly working on this important issue. It has been a great example of diplomacy and patience as he tries to ensure that the river and associated waters such as the Flaxy Lakes and Wheao River and Canal are open for all to use again.

We are pleased to report also that the access to our waters and lakes is gaining some media attention and I have been interviewed by National Radio on the issue and believe that this report will go to air tomorrow (12 March) on Morning Report between 7 am and 9am. TV3 is also making a programme about access issues and hopefully this will go to air in the next few weeks.

And then there was some astonishing fishing. While in Rotorua meeting Rob I thought it would be rude not to fish somewhere around the region that evening and decided to fish the Awahou River mouth on Lake Rotorua. Rob had told me this section of the lake was really firing with people reporting phenonmenal catches (Auckland guide Neil Hirtzel caught over 60 fish up to 5lbs in around 4 -5 hours one day recently and catch rates of over 80 fish were doing the rounds. While I was there a Welshman seemed to be hauling in a fish every third cast making me glad that we could at least still beat them in rugby).

This stream mouth is not to be fished by the claustrophobic however! I was there with at least 35 other anglers all lined up to fish the cool current where the Awahou spring creek entered Lake Rotorua. From my perspective almost everyone was catching fish......except me!! For about two hours all around me pulled in fish after fish while I laboured in vain with a sinking heart and rising frustration. I had two touches in that time.

With quiet desparation I changed fly after fly and then the fish took pity on me and relented and over the next three hours until just after dark it was all on. I have no idea what caused the sudden change in fortunes as the flies I found worked (a green woolly bugger and a small black nymph had been tried earlier with no success).

Many of the fish were not in the condition I expect of the rainbows in Rotorua but there were some very good fish amongst those landed including one that shot around my startled neighbour's legs at high speed trailing my line with it (the fish and I parted company when the hook straightened). In all I estimate I landed about 20 fish with many more lost. It was a great evening and a foretaste of some wonderful fishing to come.

In talking to anglers at fishing clubs this week, it has become clear that loss of access to rivers and lakes is a big concern with reports of places where permission to cross land is now being denied or granted to only a few. How frequently this is happening is probably under-estimated, as most us only know if it has happened to us or to a mate

If we can pool this information, the extent of the problem can be seen and communicated. So if you've been denied access, please let me know about it, and also advise whether or not the details can be shared or published. Email me at doug@nzfishing.com.

This week sees me travelling in the East Coast region of the North Island talking to fishing clubs in Tauranga and Whakatane about the issues that face our sport.

The issues of which most if us are well aware include loss of access to rivers and lakes, the damage done to publically owned waters through land mismanagement and the ongoing destruction of our rivers for electricity production and water storage.

Plus there are the new threats arising, such as Federated Farmers keen desire to set up trout farming operations, and proposals to allow some of our most iconic and pristine environments such as the Mackenzie Basin become used for intensive dairying.

Hidden amongst the recent attention grabbing announcements of tax changes, the Prime Minister's opening statement to parliament included a series of statements that will have a much longer lasting and more profound effect on New Zealand. John Key stated that the government would be "looking at regulations that may be preventing natural resources being used most productively" and …."where the current regulations are stifling all prospects of growth".

In particular he mentioned the removal of "particular regulatory roadblocks to water storage and irrigation in Canterbury" and that "this will be in addition to the work already being carried out .... on progressing water storage infrastructure throughout the country". This means that many rivers that already experience low flows during the summer months could be further reduced to allow water extraction to occur for irrigation and that many rivers around the country, such as the Hurunui in Canterbury, will be dammed for water storage.

I am keen to make anglers, hunters and others more aware of the issues and threats (and potential solutions) to fishing and hunting in New Zealand. As a result, I have taken on the role of spokesperson on environment and outdoor recreation for UnitedFuture (the political party with whom the Outdoor Recreation party merged).

Some UnitedFuture policies relevant to anglers are that:

• Access to New Zealand’s freshwater fisheries is a basic right that should be accorded to every New Zealander. The exclusion of the average New Zealander from specific fisheries through the denial of access is unacceptable
• The commercialisation of trout species and other freshwater species will remain illegal in order to preserve our freshwater fisheries for recreation and tourism
• All New Zealanders have a common right to access unpolluted freshwater fisheries and waterways for recreational use.

You can see UnitedFuture policies on the outdoors on the UnitedFuture website. Let me know what you think by sending an email to doug@nzfishing.com

It has been a few days since I have been out fishing and most of my time has been spent on the website lately. I will be heading north for a couple of weeks visiting and fishing around the Bay of Plenty starting Sunday and so feel that a little work in between is OK.

Today I did something very different and went down to watch the opening of parliament and to listen to the Prime Ministers speech. Much had been previously reported but I was very disturbed to hear about how the government sees water as a resource and will be looking at ways to speed up the process so that dams can be built (particularly in Canterbury - much to the cheers of the National Party members) to make more use of the "water resource". There was no mention of the cost of this to the many members of the public that will loose a valuable fishing resource and those like guides and lodge owners whose income depends on it.

On Friday I am meeting again with Peter Dunne from United Future who has developed sound outdoor recreation policies. The outdoor recreation wing of UnitedFuture needs to be revitalised and given a new life. I have looked at all the political parties policies and believe that UnitedFuture has the best policies that will protect our rivers, lakes and forests. (This came as a surprise. I thought the Green Party would have the most appeal but they seem anti fishing and hunting and even seem to want trout and salmon removed from some waters).

Maybe we need to get political. After all, the politicians seem intent on moving in on our recreational pursuits.

The last day of this trip and Anna and are taken by Wendy from the Blue Duck Lodge to look at a very remote water the Kaiwhakauka Stream that enters the Whanganui a few hundred metres below the Retaruke confluence. While the lower reaches of the Retaruke are quite tannin stained and discoloured due to the effects of the farmland the river flows over, the Kaiwhakauka remains pristine even after heavy rain because it flows through native bush.

What is more it is one of those small streams that calls out to be fished. But beware, although you can see it from the track (easily walked to from the Blue Duck) it requires some scambling to get to. The stream is a series of pools and rapids and although it does not hold many fish those that are there are feisty and acrobatic. This is one water where you will not meet another angler.

There are two ways of getting to the Kaiwhakauka. One by scambling down a steep bank (and remember what goes down at some stage has to go up again) or taking a kayak or boat to the mouth and walking upstream. There are plenety of kayaks for hire at the Blue Duck Lodge and if you are lucky and / or plan ahead you could even get taken in by jet boat.

This is a country steeped in forgotten history. The government at the turn of last century tried to open up the whole area for farming giving returning soldiers from WW1 parcels of land to develop. The steep country and poor soils meant that even the best efforts of these pioneers were doomed to failure and now you can see the remains of old houses and shacks that were abandoned over the years. The hills are now reverting to native bush and the bird life is returning. And through it all, the fish have remained as always with few anglers to disturb them.

Anyone is looking for an adventure away from the crowds with the chance to explore almost virgin water, I can thoroughly recommend this idyllic valley. But if you do venture in here remember that Wendy came for a few days and is still there. It seems to have that effect on people.

The one thing we can say about trout fishing is that the best fishing is usually found in the most isolated places. Driving from the Waiouru area to the Blue Duck Lodge on the Retaruke brought this truism very much to mind. This is really the backcountry - huge bush clad hills and wonderful bird-life including kiwis!

The Blue Duck Lodge and its sister accommodation, the Whio Lodge, are a long way from any shopping malls or cinemas. To get there is a 45 km drive down a side road (much of it gravel) but on arrival you realise why the effort was worth it. This is truly beautiful New Zealand. And the drive should be done slowly with a few stops to appreciate this wild and mostly untamed (and as the past failed settlers will attest, untameable) country. The lodge is not far from the ill-fated "bridge to nowhere".

Dan, the owner of the Blue Duck Lodge and his manager Wendy, are into conservation in a big way and will show you with huge enthusiasm how they are restoring the bush and wildlife into something we all can be proud of. And the lodge itself is a fantastic place to stay - quiet and very clean.

Anna and I fished the first evening at the confluence of the Retaruke and the Whanganui. The river was still high and rather silt laden in these lower reaches and although a couple of fish could be seen rising they were not to be tempted.

So next morning we headed to the Retaruke headwaters. It is quite a drive back up the road but the fishing was great. Both brown and rainbow trout to about 2kg in weight. The water always looks slightly stained but in fact is clear and is a delightful series of runs, rapids and very deep pools. And Anna at last achieved her ambition - she cast to and landed a very good fish. The only problem was that as she was playing it an eel decided her catch looked like its dinner and took a huge bite out of its stomach. When the fish was netted we saw that it was too damanged to return so (without much reluctance) we decided to keep it. Over a campfire by the river we cooked it for a wonderful meal that evening. What a day - though after nearly 10 hours walking and fishing we did enjoy the comfort of the Blue Duck Lodge on our return.

Having been unable to fish Lake Moawhango Anna and I needed to find a new place for her to practice her casting on some fish. Unfortunately the rain the night before had meant that most rivers in the area where we were heading would be unfishable. It was then I remembered the spring creeks near Ohakune and so we headed down the Whanganui Road to see what the Tokiahuru was like.

At the first bridge we came to we found a very friendly farmer fixing a fence who gave the usual 'go for your life" response to our request to fish on his property. He even suggested we park near the old school which we did. The river was a little high and dirty but still very fishable.

On her second cast Anna landed a small brown trout - and oh boy was she pleased with herself. We then meandered upstream and fished a number of pools and runs generally touching or landing at least one fish in each. The Tokiahuru is a delightful water, swift and cold with plenty of bankside vegetation. The trout (a mixture of rainbow and brown) seem to be between 1 - 2 kg and pretty feisty. In many places the trees completely covered both banks and met in the middle of the stream and while this made fishing these sections impossible it obviously provided good cover for the fish.

We realised how lucky we were when we arrived at the Retaruke later that evening and found it flowing high and brown. The Tokiahuru had saved the day by providing a superb afternoon's fishing. And the Retaruke is a fast clearing river so tomorrow should be great!

I think I have found the safest spot in New Zealand for trout to live out their days undisturbed by man, bird or beast. And that is the Moawhango River as it leaves the tailrace of Lake Moawhango.

This small river is directly in the path of the firing range for the military to test their shooting prowess and while that may not sound safe, the fact that the recruits are firing over the river at targets on the surrounding hills means that the worst a trout can endure is the noise and vibrations from the heavy explosives. I for one would not like the idea of fishing this most attractive small stream as shells howled overhead.

Last Friday Major Hibbs took my daughter Anna and I onto the Waiouru military base to see Lake Moawhango and to give a first hand look at why it was probably not the best place to let itinerant anglers wander around. While the lake itself is seldom part of the maneuvers and target practise, there are plenty of hills around that are. And lets face it, not every recruit is a good shot. While there we watched as some military personnel blasted away at targets near the lake. These seemed loud enough but I was assured that the shells they would fire a few hours later were several hundred times more powerful. I did not wait to see these fired.

Children's fishing day

What I did discuss with Major Hibbs was the possibility that we set up a "Take a Kid" fishing day(s) at the lake when there was no firing practise happening. This would need to be very tightly controlled as the area allowable and safe to be in is around the southern shore by the dam. Everyone coming in must stay in a defined area and no-one can wander around as there are unexploded shells outside the area.

But as some sections of the lake are safe and clear of any danger this is a wonderful venue to learn to fish for feisty wild trout. The fish are extra-ordinarily plentiful with catches of around 10 per hour the norm (but a 1lb fish is a good fish and there are very few that reach anywhere near a kilo).

DoC and Fish and Game are keen to assist set up this day's fishing event and the army will no doubt turn it on for the youngsters. What we can promise is a day that the kids will remember for the rest of their fishing days.

We hope to set up the first Take a Kid Fishing day on the lake early next season (mid to late November was discussed) and so keep an eye on the nzfishing.com website for more information.

With the weather still being foul I am unable to get out on the water today (never mind, I am going for 6 days fishing with my daughter Anna next week and that includes a day on the Lake Moawhango no less, courtesy of the Waiouru Military camp).

One issue that needs to be carefully monitored is the threat being posed at present by Federated Farmers in their drive to make trout farming legal. We have been alerting readers to this issue through our In the News pages and the thoughts of many anglers from both here in New Zealand and abroad are summed up by this comment by Will Thomas:

"Hi Doug,
I am a retired airline pilot and life long Trout Fly Fisher. I have fished New Zealand many times during my life long quest for Trout. Without a bit of exaggeration I believe NZ is the best Trout fishing on earth and I have fished in many parts of the world.
After reading the articles about fish farming, I would like to say, PLEASE don't destroy what you have by allowing this industry - like you I am appalled that the fishing may be made legal to farm."

The Federated Farmers do not understand the issues and the cost to our sport, tourism industry and operators, and our reputation as the "anglers eldorado" if trout farming were to be made legal. One consultant claimed that, "the fish.. (would be) ... fed a natural red pigment, the same given to salmon, turning the meat a deep red contrasting with the white meat of wild trout" and went on to state that "You rarely find a wild trout in the same condition as a farm trout. Why would you want to eat a wild trout when you've could have a farm trout?" See the full article and others on In the News

Is this what we want? Trout with dyed flesh? Sections of our lakes and rivers (which are all publically owned) given over to "commercial trout herders"?

The big difference to salmon farming of course is that salmon are mostly farmed at sea in cages; trout would be farmed in our publically owned rivers and lakes. And once trout became legal to sell, the black market for our fish would be huge as the authorities would not be able to distinguish between a farmed and wild fish and so poaching would be a threat to our fragile fisheries. Trout farming must never be allowed to happen in New Zealand.

Let us know what you think about this issue by sending an email to doug@nzfishing.com

I have been in contact by email and phone with the authorities at the Waiouru Miltary Camp and have been contacted by a number of others such as the Taupo Dept of Conservation (who are in charge of the fishing and hunting in the area) about the issue of accessing the fishing on Lake Moawhango. Many people have expressed concern that this lake is out-of-bounds for anglers and are hoping that the lake can be opened up for access.

I have learned however that the lake itself does have some issues as a fishery. Being a man-made lake when the Maowhango River was dammed to provide water for the Tongariro Hydro scheme, it is subject to huge water level fluctuations (up to 17 metres!) and so does not provide good habitat for fish growth. In fact it is filled with huge (and I mean huge) numbers of small fish of around 25 - 30cms in length. Apparently a 1lb fish is an excellent size from this water. It is also used at times for firing practice by the military - not the times I would want to be out chasing small fish!

That said, when the miltary are not shooting across it, it is an ideal water for young people to learn to fish on as catch rates are astoundingly high. Apparently DoC ran a Take a Kid fishing day there a few years ago and 10 fish per young angler per hour of fishing was easily achieved even by novice anglers. I am visiting Waiouru next week and will keep you posted. But having talked with the military and DoC, my thoughts are at present to see if a compromise can be reached where we have the lake open for certain times of the year where clubs and others can take kids to the lake for a superb day's fishing. There is nothing like catching your first fish to be hooked for life. If you have any ideas or comments please send an email to doug@nzfishing.com

Also of concern is the issue that has simmered over the past few months regarding the removal of access rights by the new owners to that section of the Rangitaiki River that runs through the Kaingaroa Forest and includes some of the best fishing on this fabulous river including the Wheao Canal and Flaxy Lakes.

There is a brief summary of the history and the situation to date and we are in contact with Eastern Fish and Game and others to ensure we keep informed as to what is happening. This is a very serious issue and we are keen to see that it is resolved as soon as possible and the rights of anglers to access the fishing on the Rangitaiki is quickly restored. Again please send us comments and thoughts to doug@nzfishing.com

Anyone in the lower North Island looking for a great river to spend a few hours (days / weeks or even months) would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful river than the Rangitikei. The upper Rangitikei headwaters are renown for their huge fish in crystal clear water (and many anglers flying targeting the wary double figure trophies the water is famous for) and so we decided to stay in the middle section.

These middle reaches are easier to access (though not that easy) and have fantastic runs and pools with a great head of fish in wonderful water. To make matters even better is the scenery - it was not by chance that some of Lord of the Rings and the River Queen films were shot here. The backdrop to your fishing is spectacular (though I must admit my attention was firmly on the river).

Andrew and I had dropped in to visit Stephen and Trudi at Tarata Fishaway and were able to spend the afternoon on the water. While I cannot say we caught a heap of fish (three each) we did see others and lose a few. We enjoyed it so much our two families have booked in for a weekend later in January at Tarata (we were lucky that there had been a cancellation) and will then get Stephen to take us down river by raft (a Tarata speciality). This way we will be able to fish some of the more remote sections (and Stephen having lived and run a lodge in the area for years really knows where the fish are). By then I hope the cicadas will be out so I will let you know how it goes.

On the subject of access I received this heartfelt plea from Graham Hughes at Central South Island Fish and Game today

“Close the bloody gate!
I have recently received a call from a frustrated farmer at Lake Ohau who reports that he and his neighbour are about to lock gates because of the number of gates left open by anglers during the recent holiday period. Anglers and hunters have always been well received in the Lake Ohau area and will continue to be, provided this simple task is adhered to. Follow the golden rule, close and securely fasten any gate you open.”

Today I rang and spoke to the Executive Assistant to the Commandant at the Waiouru Military Camp and asked for permission to fish on Lake Moawhango that lies close to State Highway 1. (There are good roads leading to and around much of this man made lake). I have heard that this is a superb fishery yet it is closed to the public (though I understand that military personnel are able to, and regularly do, fish this water). I received a cool and cautious reply and was asked to send in an email making my request. I have sent an email asking for permission and asking for any reasons why it cannot be given.

I am yet to receive a reply and will keep you updated on this issue as I know that I am not the only person that is frustrated that such a wonderful fishery is being kept away from the public. And as I said in the first email, I do not think that the excuse that there may be live explosive around carries much weight as it appears that the defence force personnel can and do fish this lake regularly.

I am keen to hear other people's opinion on this matter.

I was lucky with the weather recently when Andrew and I headed north to the Central Plateau to fish some waters we had not been to before. We stayed at the budget Snowy Waters Lodge and were extremely well looked after by the host Sandy Waters. For those looking for cheap, clean, comfortable accommodation to explore the rivers and lakes around Raetihi I can thoroughly recommend Snowy Waters as a great base. It is presently a work in progress but has all you want. It is very quiet and best of all is at a great price.

One area we wanted to fish was Lahar Lake. This remote lake (you will not find it on any map) is man-made, being created in 2000. It is spring fed and quite deep in parts. Most fish are stocked rainbows and these grow to impressive sizes. I am ashamed to admit that I lost the first eight fish I hooked as they seemed to know instinctively where any snag in the vicinity was located. Having two flies on a leader was a disaster and it wasn't until I tied only one fly on and upgraded to 8lb leaders that I was able to tame these beasts. This lake is like a small Otamangakau - small water, huge fish. They seem to average around 4lb plus and as they have an abundance of food are plump, fit and feisty. Watching big fish leap out of the water to attack a dragonfly was great to see.

Anyone wishing to know how to access this water should contact me. It was found by chance and is a real find. It is not easy to access as it is at the back of a hunting block and permission from the land-owner is absolutely necessary. And if you go do stock up on blood worm imitations - these were the lethal fly that the trout loved. I only had a few and these are now all firmly embedded in some submerged tree trunks.

We were also hoping to fish Lake Moawhango which is on defence force land. Initial enquiries were positive. We were told by a friendly member of the army that all we needed a special permit but when we approached the range controller it was a different story. We were told in the bluntest terms that there was "no way that we were going to fish their lake as we were not members of the defence force". The reasons were not given but it appears that this beautiful lake is seen as the private domain of the army in the area.

We will be investigating this further as we at nzfishing.com are absolutely opposed to private fisheries being established in this country. And the argument that there may be unexploded bombs in the area and so it is not safe does not wash!! If there are bombs lying around I think someone should go and pick them up - they could also hurt army personnel as well as any intinerant angler that goes into the area.