Tips & Resources

Some general tips based on our experience of fishing at the ponds over the last five years

spinning rigs around 5’6″ to 7 foot in length with a reasonable reel are well suited for younger children. They can use them with a float located 1 to 2 m above the hook in all three ponds and also with a spinner/lure in the large pond. The Trust has used a Killwell kids spinning rig , Black Shadow rod and BS 330 reel , for the last five years and these have proven to be ideal. Spinners and lures are not permitted in the two smaller ponds as they tend to frighten the fish and put them off the bite making them harder for everyone to catch.
Fly rods can be used although children need to be able to handle the larger rod and the casting motion.
If fishing with a float and a hook suspended below you can use a variety of baits, see the section below for details on the rig. We mainly use a commercial pellet called Jimmy’s baits which we find works well. you could also use worms , small insects , or a nymph style fly such as a “pheasant tail” or a “hare and copper”.
Rainbow trout tend to move around the ponds rather then stay in one location. That said they do have preferred locations so it pays to have a good look around the ponds and try to find where the fish might be.
Salmon tend to stay together in shoals so when the ponds are stocked with salmon it becomes important to find out where the shoals are located .
Polaroid glasses are of great assistance when trying to locate fish.

Waimea Fishing Ponds – Essential Equipment

sunglasses (polarised if possible)
hat
sunscreen (summer)
chilly bin / ice pack
camera / phone
hard shoes / boots
water and lunch
fishing gear

Waimea Fishing Ponds – Tips And Hints

SUNSCREEN
Hands should be washed thoroughly before touching Lures / Nymphs or bait. The smell is a negative to most fish.
SPOT YOUR FISH
Spend some time locating your fish schools, polarised glasses help. You can’t catch fish if they’re not in the area you are fishing!Rainbow trout tend to move around the ponds rather than stay in one location. That said, they have some preferred locations so it pays to have a good look around the ponds and try and find where the fish might be.Salmon tend to stay together in shoals so when the ponds are stocked with salmon it becomes more important to find out whether shoals are located. Polaroid glasses are of great assistance when trying to locate the fish.
ACTIVE FISHING TIMES
The first three hours after day break and last three hours of Sunset in general provide more active fishing over the summer. However in winter early afternoon may be more productive.
FISHING GEAR
Trout have great eyesight, light trace of 6lb – 8lb and small hooks from size 16 to No.2 ( fly hooks 10, 12 , 14 and 16 ) are best for regular hook-ups.
MOVE AROUND
Try fishing an area for 15 -30 minutes, if the fish are ignoring your baits / lures move to another area of the pond that holds fish and try again.
PATIENCE IS IMPORTANT
You may need to wait for fish to come on the bite, enjoy your surroundings while you wait.
LEARN
Being a good fisherperson can take time so ask questions, practice knots, watch videos and keep trying.

Tips for taking kids fishing

A child’s first fishing trip is exciting for both parent and child. A fun outing can lead to future years of fishing enjoyment. Here are some tips to make it a fun and memorable experience.

Pack plenty of drinks and snacks.
Mornings may be best – the fish bite better and kids have more energy.
Pick a sunny day with moderate temperatures, but pack a warm layer fo rthe kids in case the weather turns.
Leave YOUR fishing rod at home. Remember you are taking the kids, they aren’t taking you.
Go somewhere where the kids feel safe, and are safe.
Keep the trip short – a couple of hours max.
Target areas with a high likelihood of success, such as places where bait fishing is permitted.
Emphasise that fishing is FUN, catching is a bonus. Use the time to foster an appreciation for the outdoors.
Be patient, take pictures and have FUN!

Fishing rigs for standard spin rods

Rod
5 foot to 7 foot rod with reel capable of carrying over 100 meters of 6 – 10 lb nylon.
Spinning rigs around 5’6” to 7 foot in length with a reasonable reel are well suited for younger children. They can use them with a float located 1 to 2m above the hook in all three ponds and also with a spinner in the large pond. The Trust have used a Killwell kids spinning rig, Black Shadow rod and BS330 reel, for the last five years and they have proved to be ideal. Spinners and lures such as soft baits are not allowed in the two smaller ponds as they tend to frighten the fish and put them off the bite making them hard for everyone to catch.

If fishing with a float and a hook suspended below you can use a variety of baits, see the gear section for details on the rig. We mainly use a commercial pellet called Jimmy’s baits which we find work well. You could use worms, small insects, or a nymph style fly such as a “pheasant tail” or a ” hare and copper”.

Bait rig with float
1 X Bobble float (water fillable), 1 x Trace line (6lb – 10lb) , 1 x Bare hook (Size No.2 or smaller or trout fly hook size 10, 12,14,16 )
Bait – Jimmys Bait Pellets, Worms, Maggots, corn.

Nymph rig with float
1 X Bobble float (water fillable),
1 x Trace line (6lb – 10lb), 1 x Hares Ear, Pheasant Tail, bead head Prince, Grey Darter, Hair and Copper, or similar Nymphs : size 12, 14, 16.
Optional – use Jimmys Bait 3mm Nymph Baits for extra scent!

Bait rig with no float (experienced fishers only)
1 x Trace line (6lb – 10lb), 2 x split shot sinkers, 1 x Bare Hook No.2 or smaller.
Bait – Jimmys Bait Pellets , Worms, Maggots, Corn

Links to useful resources on the web

Getting started

Getting started (Fish & Game)
Learn how to get started with freshwater fishing in New Zealand. Information on equipment, where to fish, spin fishing, fly fishing and much more.