Front Fishing and Front Streams in New Zealand.

New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 8, 1 May 1900, Page 613

Front Fishing and Front Streams in New Zealand.

Hy Si'oiiTsmax.

Vipi' /'IFTEEN years ago a man might cast ;l lnl l flies mr mm hnu ovet 1 ovoi'V river r ( il iii New Zijaland, and never rise a "=^33 single ti.sh, save, perhaps, a grayling 1 in the streams of the Golden Coast, or a tiny smelt in the estuaries, for NewZealand rivers were almost barren of fish, carrying nothing of any size save the übiquitous eel. Now if an angler casts a fly or spins a minnow in the most solitary mountain stream, or the tiniest creek that runs through cultivated country, he may hear the merry

music of the rod, ;in<l see ;is ;i victim to liis skill (ho lish wo know in its £ivah\sl, physical perfection. The Acclimatisation Societies, aided by (iovormnent grants and private subscriptions, have effected this change, and have tfiven to New Zealanders one of the finest sports known to man, and one which attracts already hundreds of visitors to our shores yearly. Much has been done by tiie Acclimatisation Societies, and there is yet much more to he done, especially in the Northern part of Now

Zealand, for there are many splendid streams not yet stocked, and there are other fish that will thrive here besides trout.

The variety and beauty of New Zealand trout streams cannot be imagined except by those who have fished from one end of the country to the other. The Upper Selwyn, sparkling over rocky bars in the Malvern Hills, is distinct from the same river deep and still between weedy banks on the low plain by Lake Ellesmere. The Waimakariri, the cold, angry river as the Maoris named it ages ago, setting its green snow waters

against huge cliffs amidst the mountains, is different to Rakaia, the sun-stealer, rushing in long rapids between the wonderful old glacier terraces in and below the gorge. And what a contrast to the great turbulent snow rivers are the streams that wander across the plains. The peaceful Avon winding between willow banks and rich farm lands, the Hororata gliding on from pool to pool, the Waihi running through fat pastures at Winchester, and these again differ from Ihe deep creeks half hidden in the flax swamps,

Tot,. I.— No. 8.-40.

or those splashing amidst lint rooks in the undulating limestone regions of Waikari or Mount Somers. There is a similarity and yet a difference between fcho Hakatere and the Rangitata, but the difference between the Rangitata and the Wai talc i is subtle, and only a fisherman could obsorve it. The Hurunui, split into streams on tho plains, or gathered in dark depths between smooth rock precipices, contrasts with the Waiau. Tho Temuka on its weedy stones to the Opihi on its clean shingle, or the Orari under its crumbling banks. Then, distinct from tho

Canterbury rivers are the rivers of Ofcago. Tho sullen Olutha, dark nnder frowning cliffs at Cromwell, its sister, the Shotover, running ' over golden beaches between mountain walls, the Molineaux, broad, bland, deceitful, gliding easily between the low flats of Stirling and Inch Clutha. Contrasts, and again contrasts, for the Pomabaka foaming over its diagonal reefs, differs from the Waiwera in its smooth, level bed, and the Waipahi with its fierce little rapids differs from the Catlins under its arch of forest trees, Then again, the

rivers of Southland. The Mataura, with its sounding falls and sombre pools, has no fellowship with the shallow Makarewa, the Oreti under its low, level cliffs differs from the clear but erratic Aparima, and the Aparima is but a brook compared with the resistless Waiau. ; The rivers of the South Island differ from those of the North. The Manawatu in its Wooded gorges ; the Wairarapa in its broad fertile valley ; the Taranaki streams flowing from the giant volcano, Mount Bgmont ; the rivers of the wonderful Hot Lake regions ; the tributaries of the historical Waikato, and

One of the largosfc Wellington Trout Streams,

the upper waters of the Waipa in the little knpwn King Country, all have their peculiar characteristics, and all carry at the present time move or less trout. To give the particular features of the rivers in any one district would require a large, amount of description.

THE METHODS OF FISHING

The variety of fishing is not so great as the differences between the rivers, it can be divided into three classes : Minnow spinning at the mouths of the large rivers, fishing with the bait in still waters, fly fishing and bait fishing in rapid water. Minnow spinning at the mouths of the great snow rivers is distinct from other methods, and is

very popular with those who consider that the best sport lies in obtaining the heaviest baskets. At the months of the Rangitata, Rakaia, Waitakiand the Southland Waiau phenomenal takes have been made, from 501bs to 1501bs, being no uncommon yield to a single rod in one day. The fish vary in weight from 41bs to 141 bs, and sometimes reach as high as 241 bs, the average being about 61 bs. The best sport is obtained where the fresh water meets the tide, and generally during the last two hours of ebb, and the first three hours of the " flow." Fishing in such places has none of the attractions of good scenery. The rivers generally run over wastes of shingle brought down in floods, but immediately where they debouch into the sea they frequently gather in one stream, or estuary, between banks of sand. A long rod, strong tackle and a good supply of bait are necessary. Artificial minnows are most generally used, the White-bait, Phantom or ordinary Devon being the most effective. At certain seasons of the year live or dead bait, in the shape of smelt, white bait or bully, are most deadly ; but the artificial minnow is most popular, as it gives the least trouble. The method of fishing is simple enough. The trout feed on the small fish I have mentioned, and the angler has only to make his bait imitate the natural action of the small fry to secure sport. The rod is not a very important feature; if it is anywhere near fifteen feet in length and moderately supple, it will do. The line should be at least one hundred yards in length, and of strong oiled silk. The reel should have a large barrel, so as to wind in quickly, and should have a strong check, checking with the fingers on the line is painful work with a lively ten pounder. The trace should be of the strongest salmon gut, single or twisted, according to the water, and about four feet long, with at least three small swivels. It is a great convenience to have a small spring catch on the trace, so that minnows can he i quickly changed.