If you are going to fish a river this weekend check that it is low enough and clear enough to fish.
The Taieri is very dirty from the Kyeburn down and high but clear above the Kyeburn confluence. The Pomahaka and the Waipahi will be worth a look as they are dropping quite quickly. The Shag and Waikouaiti rivers are low enough to fish. In fact, they are probably at a better height than before the rain.
Those heading to a stillwater for their fishing have a greater choice, at least as far a water clarity goes. Rutherford’s and Mathias’ dams have algal blooms and as, I found during the week, are not worth fishing.
If you are planning to fish the tussock lakes the weather looks good, fine and warm.
I am still not sure about cicadas but after a few fine days they may put in an appearance.
If waters are at a moderate level, even if they are on the high side, if there are insects then hatching trout will rise on still or running waters. This is especially true of sedges as they run around on the surface and attract the attention of trout.
The action may not last long, so it is probably not worth travelling a great distance to take advantage of it. There could also be a hatch of mayfly duns or a fall of spinners which extends the action time.
Last weekend I was running a fly-fishing course for the Southland Fly Fishing Club.
It was meant to be over two days — theory and casting on the Saturday and then on the river, usually the Mataura, on the Sunday.
The strong winds and heavy rain caused the cancellation of Sunday’s activities on the river which proved a wise move on the club’s part as the Mataura rose 2m and the wind and rain persisted throughout the day.
We sometimes move to other waters if the Mataura is out but most other rivers were rising rapidly, too, as I witnessed on my drive home.
Not surprisingly my midweek outing was confined to still waters.
Weather-wise, it was perfect — very light winds and mild — although I did drive through fog on the way to the Maniototo.
I started at Blakely’s as the mist dissipated and the sun came out.
The dam was as weedy as I have ever seen it. The weed is one of the factors that make it a good fishery as it harbours a lot of trout food, so I can put up with it. There was a clear patch in the weed and there was a trout in it rising flat out. It was worth a try despite the inevitable outcome. The trout took straight off, into the air, into the weed and broke off.
Shortly after, another started to rise and I took the chance again and the trout took the fly, went straight into the weed and freed itself of the hook.
So much for the benefits of the weed.
