The weather gods were not playing ball in all parts of the South but the fish appeared to be biting as the season opened yesterday.
Rivers were high in Southland and were generally discoloured. But those who headed into the head waters and upstream tended to find more fish.
Fish & Game Southland said those who sought upper reaches of rivers and smaller streams, which were clearing nicely, enjoyed some early-season success.
Using bright soft baits to take advantage of the discoloured water also led to some impressive catches.
Fish & Game in Central South Island said the Waitaki River and Waitaki irrigation ponds reported great conditions and lots of happy punters. It was also a busy day at Lake Opuha in the Mackenzie District. About 30 anglers were fishing, some from the shore and others by boat.
In Otago, plenty of anglers were out and about. Many rivers in Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes were discoloured because of rain and more of that was expected in the next couple of days.
Fish & Game Otago field officer Ben Sowry said the fish were still there with the higher flows.
Otago has the most fishing licences of any region in the country.
The Glenorchy Fishing competition is on Saturday.
