Some good-sized shoals have been reported in the Wanganui, Grey and Buller Rivers, and plenty have also been seen in the Totara River.
West Coast Whitebaiters Association president Des McEnaney said some river mouths in South Westland needed a good flood to flush them out, but generally the signs were good for a plentiful season, unlike last year when most whitebaiters packed up early.
"Last season all the whitebait went up the east coast — that’s just the nature of the beast. We [whitebaiters] are a bunch of optimists, so yes, we will have a good season this year."
Department of Conservation Greymouth biodiversity ranger Henk Stengs said fishermen tended to be optimistic when the weather was fine and mild and the rivers were at normal levels, but "there is no telling how it will turn out".
"I have seen some whitebait going upstream, but no large shoals, nothing unusual," Mr Stengs said.
Doc had received reports of illegal preseason whitebaiting.
"I have followed them up locally. There has been nothing to substantiate these."
Everyone was expected to comply with the Whitebait Fishing (West Coast) Regulations 1994, which was readily available online.
"If they do this, they won’t have any problems. Rangers will be out there patrolling the rivers, and that can be at any time of the day or night. If anyone sees breaches of the regulations, they should be reported to Doc office immediately so that rangers can respond in time," Mr Stengs said.
- Vivi Logie
