But that would not stop anglers from all over Otago heading out tomorrow for the opening of the new fishing season, Fish & Game Otago said in a statement.
Mr Norwick and his partner Janine Smith own and manage a 280ha sheep and beef farm on the Maniototo.
Like many landowners across the region, they contribute to the health of fisheries through involvement in community catchment groups and by supporting anglers’ access to the rivers, lakes and reservoirs that make Otago such a special place to fish.
For Mr Norwick, fly fishing was a lifelong passion that began as an 8-year-old in England.
These days, he was happiest sight-fishing for challenging trout in the upper Taieri River and Styx Basin.
"The fish up there can be phenomenal — but they’ve got PhDs in fishermen," he said.
"If you catch a difficult fish, that’s a real bonus. If it’s an 8 or 9-pounder, then even better.
"Hooking a big fish on a tiny fly you’ve tied yourself is a real buzz."
Mr Norwick said the October season opener brought plenty of people to the area, especially to the put and take ponds in the Maniototo.
"There are endless fishing opportunities here."
While Mr Norwick keeps the occasional trout from local reservoirs, he practises careful catch and release on rivers.
Ms Smith brings another perspective through her role as project executive for Tiaki Maniototo, a community catchment group working on riparian planting, fencing and habitat restoration.
Under Ms Smith’s watch, landowners have planted more than 120,000 native plants and restored habitat for birds and fish.
"You can never underestimate the value of collaboration," she said.
"Farmers, anglers — I think we all want the same outcome — improved water quality and access, but we want respect from each other as well."
Positive changes, such as tui and bellbirds returning to Patearoa, and improving water quality in parts of the Taieri, showed what was possible when people worked together, Ms Smith said.
The couple have also partnered directly with Fish & Game Otago on habitat restoration.
A grant from Fish & Game’s Habitat Enhancement Fund helped them fence off a pond on their property where they have planted 1500 native shrubs, improving freshwater habitat and creating long-term benefits for fish and wildlife.
An occasional angler, Ms Smith said she fished when there was "a very good chance" of her catching something.
"I’m appreciative of the beautiful places it takes you. That aspect is probably above the fishing for me. Sometimes I’m just there for time out as well. Fishing is part of that."
Her advice to anglers this season was to respect access and leave gates as they were found.
"If you see a farmer, say gidday and thank them for the access."
