Angling: Most rivers looking good this weekend

The settled weather has continued this week, with only the minor blip of some rivers rising slightly, but the majority are looking good for the weekend.

The whole of the Taieri River is in good order, with the lower river being its lowest for weeks although somewhat peat-stained.

The lower Clutha is the only exception as it is running high. The lowest it has been recently is 450cumecs, but the upper river is down to 250cumecs at the outlet of Lake Wanaka, which puts it in the fishable range.

The pick of waters for me would be the Mataura and the Pomahaka; the latter is quite low and the former at medium level, both ideal for fishing at this time of year.

I am often asked what flies to use on these waters, so I will run through the ones I use. I am sure that there are other anglers who never use any of these flies but still catch lots of fish, but it is a starting point - flies to give you confidence because they work for someone.

When there is nothing obvious happening, I use a weighted size 12 hare's ear nymph and fish it in the ripples and the slower water too. If the ripples are too deep to get it to the bottom, I will fish a nymph with a tungsten bead, again in size 12. If the ripples are very shallow, and don't miss out the shallow water, I switch to a size 14 unweighted hare's ear. All these flies should be fished dead drift with a lift of the rod tip at the end of the drift as this often results in a take.

When the odd fish begins to rise and there are a few duns on the water, I use a size 16 cul de canard emerger. Fish this as a dry casting a metre or so above a rise and drifting it drag-free over the fish. When there are a lot of duns on the water you can still catch fish on the emerger but a dun pattern can be used. I use an Adams or a blue dun size 14 as they are easier to see than the emerger in rippled water. Fish them the same way as the emerger.

There are two further stages of the mayfly life cycle: the spinner and the spent spinner. Fish feed on the former in the current, especially at the tail of a pool. I use an upside-down spinner size 14, which floats well and seems to be liked by the fish. It needs to be fished drag-free. If it is hard to get takes, look for a fish feeding where there is a ripple as it helps hide the leader.

I find the upside-down spinner works well too when the fish are on spent spinners, but when they are choosey a size 16 spent version is worth carrying.

 - Mike Weddell

River and 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 rivers in Otago are back to normal or nearly normal levels. In most streams, the water temperatures have dropped with the recent cooler nights, which should result in fish feeding throughout the day. Anglers can expect some good mid-afternoon mayfly rises, especially in South Otago and Southland streams. Salmon and sea-run trout will be on the move in the Clutha and Waitaki systems.

North Otago: The Shag, Waianakarua, Kakanui and Waikouaiti rivers are all at medium levels, clear and fishable. There are also some nice sea-run fish in the lower reaches of these rivers now and these fish will spread upstream gradually over the next few weeks. Lake Benmore is still clearing and fish 3kg and over are being caught from boats. The Ahuriri River is running clear.

Southern Lakes: The Dart, Matukituki and Shotover rivers are still slightly discoloured. The back-country rivers, such as the Greenstone, Lochy and Von, are in good order but anglers are advised to check the weather forecast before heading into the mountains. Terrestrial insect activity in the back country is beginning to die off for the year. Adult whitebait are congregating near major river mouths. Land-locked salmon are also starting to school near river mouths in preparation for spawning. Fishing these areas with smelt patterns and small silver spinners can be very effective. Try fishing in deep water and retrieving the lure in a fast erratic action.

Central Otago: Lake Dunstan is clear in the Clutha Arm and rainbows are starting to school up around the Clutha River mouth. Anglers fishing from the shore have been struggling but anglers fishing from the boats in the deep water have been doing well. Green woolly buggers with red beads often fish well in Dunstan at this time of the year.

Taieri catchment: The Taieri River is low throughout its length. In the last weeks of March, sea-run trout and the occasional salmon often hole up in the gorge areas near Hindon and Lee Stream. Try spin fishing the deep holes with a lure that has a flash of red.

Southwest Otago: The lower Clutha River has been fluctuating from 500cumecs to 700cumecs each day. Seals are still playing havoc near Kaitangata. The Pomahaka is running slightly discoloured, which is often a good condition for spin fishing. Salmon will be making their presence known soon. The Waipahi River is fairly low. Often, small South Otago and Southland streams can experience good mayfly rises on calm afternoons in March. The Teviot River angling competition is on Sunday March 13. To enter, register at the Bridge Huts from 8.30am onwards.


Waterway - Water Level/Condition

• Kakanui River - Medium, clear
• Shag River - Low, clear
• Taieri River at Canadian Flat - Medium, slightly discoloured
• Taieri River at Outram - Medium, slightly discoloured
• Pomahaka River - Medium, slightly discoloured
• Waipahi River - Low, clear
• Clutha River at Balclutha - High, slightly discoloured
• Clutha River at Cardrona - High, fluctuating, clear
• Hawea River - High, fluctuating, clear
• Lake Onslow - High, clear
• Lake Dunstan - Medium, discoloured in Kawarau Arm
• Lake Hawea High, discoloured near river deltas
• Lake Mahinerangi High, clear
• Lake Wanaka High, discoloured near river deltas
• Lake Wakatipu High, discoloured near river deltas


 

 

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