As the weekend approaches, things are looking good for anyone contemplating a few hours on the river.
Whereas last weekend it was a matter of choosing a water that was fishable, this weekend most waters look as though they will be in good order. Waters have dropped and cleared and temperatures have risen. Smaller streams are now between 12degC and 14degC by mid- afternoon - ideal for a hatch of mayflies and trout rising to them.
Any of the small rainfed streams of South Otago and Southland will offer a good chance of catching trout. The larger rivers are also falling, clearing and warming but it will take several days before conditions are ideal.
Of the larger rivers, the Mataura seems to be the best bet as it is falling steadily but the Taieri, especially in the lower reaches, is still coloured.
I took my own advice on opening day and fished a small rainfed stream, the Tokomairiro. It was quite clear but very cold and a strong downstream wind was blowing. I was a little too early on the water for this time of year so had a cup of tea then tackled up and put on a jacket to keep the wind at bay.
It was still only 9.30am when I started to walk downstream and I was resigned to the fact that there would not be any fish moving until the day warmed up. Although the water was clear, there was a lot of pollen on the surface making it look misty.
Despite the poor visibility from a combination of pollen and shade, I spotted a fish in the second pool I came to. I caught something on my first cast of the season and on the second and the third.
Unfortunately, in each case, it was an overhanging branch. Luckily on the fourth cast the fly reached the water and the trout took hold and was duly landed. A good start I thought, conveniently forgetting the branch.
It was more than two hours before I connected with another fish which was caught blind in a ripple. Then I fished a long section of promising water without seeing or touching a fish. Having fished through some good-looking water in the morning I retraced my steps and about 1.30pm a few mayflies began to hatch and eventually a trout rose.
I covered it with the nymph that was already attached to the tippet and after a few casts it took hold. The fish then cartwheeled out of the water and thrashed around and got off.
As I wandered back upstream the number of mayflies increased and another trout rose. However, it was in an impossible position to reach so I looked for an easier fish. I soon found one rising steadily and it was more co-operative than the previous couple and was soon in the net.
The hatch lasted for about an hour and a half and I caught a few more fish before having to leave.
A most enjoyable first day - except for the trees maybe.
RIVER, LAKE CONDITIONS
River and lake conditions are supplied by Fish and Game Otago with information from the Otago Regional Council received at 9am yesterday.
General Situation: Most waterways throughout the region are clear, or dropping and clearing. However, more rain is forecast for many areas this weekend. So anglers should keep a close eye on the forecast before they head out. If you arrive at your destination to find a dirty river, fish small tributary streams or target backwaters. These are normally the first to clear.
North Otago Area: The Shag, Kakanui and Waikouaiti Rivers are at medium levels, clear and in good order for fishing. It appears fish stocks have survived the floods of last May fairly well. However, a seal has been reported targeting trout in the lower Waikouaiti. In certain reaches, the Shag is still holding reasonable numbers of trout, which are in good condition. Try whitebait imitations in the tidal zones.
Southern Lakes Area: In general, the condition of fish weighed in at the Glenorchy Fishing Competition last weekend was excellent - the best in recent memory. Some large trout, (the biggest was 4.4kg) were caught by anglers trolling off the Greenstone River mouth. Salmon have been feeding on landlocked whitebait, so try small slender lures.
Lake Hayes has also been producing some very well conditioned trout. Fishing with cockabully and perch imitations can be effective. Timaru Creek is open for fishing downstream from the road bridge, and rainbow trout are running up this stream at the moment.
Central Otago: Access roads to the high-country lakes are drying out. Anglers are reminded the Manorburn Dam is closed until November 1. The Manuherikia River is high and clear, the upper reaches have produced some good-sized brown and the occasional rainbow trout over the past week.
Taieri Catchment: Despite discoloured water, worm anglers in the lower Taieri River have been doing very well over the past week. The upper Taieri is high but clearing. Coal Pit Dam, McAtamneys Head Pond and the Paerau Weir have been fishing very well. Blakelys and Rutherfords Dams are closed for lambing. Lake Mahinerangi is high and clear, but the fishing has been surprisingly hard.
Southwest Otago Area: Most waterways are dropping and clearing. Water temperatures are approaching 12degC which is normally a good level for insect and trout activity. The Waitahuna River is in very good condition and has been producing some large brown trout. The lower Clutha is clearing and in good order for spin fishing. Some smelt are starting to appear in the estuary and there have been good numbers of whitebait reported.
Waterway - Water Level/Condition
• Kakanui River - Medium, clear
• Shag River - Medium, clear
• Taieri River at Canadian Flat - High, clearing
• Taieri River at Outram - Medium, slightly discoloured
• Pomahaka River - Medium, some snow melt
• Waipahi River - Medium, clearing
• Clutha River at Balclutha - Medium, clearing
• Clutha River at Cardrona - Medium, dropping
• Hawea River - Medium, clear
• Lake Onslow - Medium, clear
• Lake Dunstan - High, clear
• Lake Hawea - Medium, clear
• Lake Mahinerangi - High, clear
• Lake Wanaka - Medium, clear
• Lake Wakatipu - Medium, clear
• For fishing and detailed river information online visit.-
Fish & Game - www.fishandgame.org.nz
Environment Southland - www.es.govt.nz/index.aspx
Otago Regional Council - www.orc.govt.nz/Portal.asp
Environment Canterbury - www.ecan.govt.nz/home/
- Mike Weddell
