Another fishing season is almost upon us. Although there are places we can fish all year round, there is nothing quite like the anticipation of another opening day. Despite what some anglers think, fish are no easier to catch on opening day than at other stages of the season. It is rather that we have not been fishing for so long that makes opening attractive.
So what are the prospects for the new season?
Well, the winter has been relatively mild. There has not been much rain over the last three months, so rivers have been steady over that period as far as flow is concerned, which is good from the trout's point of view. We had a cold snap in June, which dropped water temperatures to a low level, but they have been warmer more recently; again, good for the fish. Ideally, from the trout's point of view and even more so from the angler's, the temperature should be more than 10degC, and during the last few days it has risen above that level. It does fall at night, but depending on the air temperature, rises by up to 5 degrees during the day.
If the water is too cold in the morning for good fishing, it is usually warm enough by noon to improve the chances of catching a fish.
As I tap out this column it is raining outside, but the forecast is good and a scan of the websites reveals there has been little rain overall and rivers and streams should be fishable come Monday. Some waters are quite low, whereas others are at normal spring level. Even the larger waters that rise where there is still some snow on the ground are at a fishable level. We can only hope that the rain stays away over the next few days. It does not take a lot to raise river levels at this time of year because there is not enough vegetation to soak up the water.
One water that is popular on opening day, especially if rivers are discoloured, is Matthias Dam. It probably will not fish very well because it was drained over the winter. However, it will be restocked later in the season.
Most of the small rainfed streams are in good order, and even the larger rivers, such as the Mataura and the Taieri, are good. The lower Clutha, which was low most of the winter, has risen lately and is a little on the high side, but it continues to drop and should be worth fishing soon.
If flowing water gets wiped out by rain, head for a dam or lake and always have a plan B. It is a good idea to check regional councils' websites before you go fishing, so as not to be disappointed when arriving at your chosen water.
Tight lines for opening day, and remember, you cannot catch fish if you do not go fishing.
