Angling: Prospects good for first week of holiday

The hot winds of recent days have dropped lowland waters to even lower levels and raised water temperatures.

At the same time heavy rain in the Alps has raised water levels in rivers flowing from the eastern side of the main divide.

For instance, the Taieri is at about 3cumecs at Outram, a little over half the flow of last weekend, whereas the Upper Clutha, at the outlet of Lake Wanaka, is flowing at over 400cumecs, more than twice the flow of last weekend.

The upper Mataura, too, has had heavy rain and has risen and this rise of water will work its way down its full length over the next two or three days.

As it gets further downstream it will have less and less effect as the peak flattens out.

Generally, the prospects for fishing look good for the first weekend of the holidays.

And even if there is not a river that is fishable near you, there should be at least one lake that is worth a visit.

Early mornings on lakes at this time of year are well worth the effort of dragging yourself out of bed to catch the morning rise to hatching midge.

This sort of fishing is much better when it is calm.

If it is really blowing, staying in bed is a better option.

If the early mornings are not for you, exploring the lake margins with a bushy dry fly can be worthwhile.

It is more exciting fishing if you can spot them but fishing blind, especially if there is a good ripple. can be just as productive.

With lowland waters being low and warm, trout will start to congregate in deeper water as it is cooler towards the bottom.

Deep runs are worth exploring with a heavy nymph, so, too, are deep pools if you have the patience.

Again, if using a heavy nymph, give it plenty of time to sink then use a slow sink and draw retrieval.

If the retrieve is too fast it just pulls the nymph back to the surface.

Where there are willows overhanging the water, trout will be feeding on the rain of willow grubs that fall endlessly day after day.

These fish can be difficult to catch but it is absorbing fishing as they can easily be seen just below the surface.

At times it seems almost as impossible to spook them as it is to catch them.

In this case, persistence is a virtue but if you have given a fish a good working over without result move on to the next one and you can always have another go later.

In the twilight hours, skating a sedge or retrieving a feathered lure through the deeper pools can produce some of the best fish of the day.

Early mornings on rivers can be good as fish can be found cruising the gravely shallows feeding on cased caddis.

A cautious approach is needed to avoid sending them scurrying to the deeps.

Tight lines for the holidays.

- 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: Many rivers sourced in the Southern Lakes and Canterbury high country have been in flood. This has discoloured many lake-delta areas. Most other waterways are low, clear and in good condition for fishing. This report concentrates on areas that are popular over
the holiday break.

North Otago area: The coastal streams are very low and clear. The top of Lake Benmore is discoloured from the Ahuriri River which is running high. More rain and northwest conditions are predicted in the mountains, so the high and discoloured water conditions may last for some time.
Lake Waitaki and Lake Aviemore remain clear at this stage. However, lakeside campers should be keep a close eye on the water levels.

Southern Lakes area: Major rivers such as the Dart and Matukituki have been in flood. Anglers can expect dirty water near major river mouths for several days. Trolling near the discoloured water areas can be productive, but boaties should be on the lookout for floating logs. Bait fishing
with worms is an underutilised method in the Southern Lakes, and it is often very productive even in discoloured water. Moke Lake and Lake Hayes are clear and have been fishing well this season.

Central Otago: The Manuherikia River remains low and clear. Poolburn, Manorburn and Onslow should fish well over the holiday period provided it is not too windy. Often trolling is most productive early in the morning and worm fishing during the day. Fly anglers should try blow-fly and beetle imitations. Lake Dunstan has been fishing well. It has not received that much fishing pressure yet. Ranger Bill Wells helped an angler land a 4.5kg rainbow recently.

Taieri catchment: The Taieri River remains low and clear. Water temperatures have been rising during the middle of the day, so early morning and evenings are probably best. Lake Mahinerangi is in good condition. Try trolling in the early morning with black and gold toby lures.

Southwest Otago area: The Lower Clutha is high and discoloured. It is predicted to be high and unfishable until next Tuesday. The Catlins River has also been very discoloured lately. Fishing in the Catlins estuary would be the best chance of finding clear water. The Waipahi and Pomahaka are at low levels and in good condition for fly fishing. If it is a hot day target the cooler more oxygenated riffles, and deep water areas.


Waterway levels and conditions

Kakanui River: Low, steady
Shag River: Low, steady
Taieri River at Canadian Flat: Low, steady
Taieri River at Outram: Low, steady
Pomahaka River: Low, steady
Waipahi River: Low, steady
Clutha River at Balclutha: High, rising, discoloured
Clutha River at Cardrona: High, rising, discoloured
Hawea River: Medium, fluctuating
Lake Onslow: Medium, clear
Lake Dunstan: Medium, clear
Lake Hawea: Rising, dirty near river mouths
Lake Mahinerangi: High, clear
Lake Wanaka: Rising, dirty near river mouths
Lake Wakatipu: Rising, dirty near river mouths


 

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