With the main season over, the waters available to anglers are more restricted.
Although many rivers and streams have dropped considerably since last week's floods, the lower Clutha, one of the best waters for winter angling, is still very high. I suspect it will be some time until it drops sufficiently to make a visit worthwhile.
There are, however, other waters that are worth a visit; the lower Taieri being one with a good chance of a sea trout over the next month or so. On the subject of sea trout, I saw some large fish in the Leith the other day; they looked quite fresh, probably having run up from the harbour on the slight rise in level last week.
This suggests there will be more waiting around the mouth for another rise in level before running up.
The Central Otago lakes should give some sport with trout foraging on newly flooded land, especially in the shallower bays of Lake Wanaka.
Lake Dunstan, which has fished well in recent weeks, should continue to do so for a while yet. A damselfly nymph fished near weedbeds will catch fish.
The lower Mataura is open until the end of the month and, at the current rate of fall, should be fishable by the end of the week.
With the drop in water temperature, most of the fishing action will be from late morning and through the afternoon. There will good hatches of mayflies at times in settled weather.
I have started preparing for next season by tying flies. Last winter, I tied a few each weekend and ended up with enough to get me through last season, except for a few experimental patterns tied in the season.
My wife has suggested that I get rid of the smell from my fishing vest, and all anglers will know that it is wise to take such suggestions seriously.
The recent heavy rains have soaked several catchments, especially in the south and west, and this will be of benefit to rivers and streams, but it will take regular rainfall throughout the winter for waters to reap full benefit for next season.
East and North Otago missed most of the rain and rivers there will need much rain to do them some good. These waters fish very well early in the season, provided there is plenty of water in them.
Even if there is not much rain in winter, the tidal reaches of the Shag and Waikouaiti are home to some large sea trout and are open for fishing through the winter months.
Winter is also a good time to read fishing books and pick up a few hints for next season. A friend has promised to let me read a couple that he thinks are worthwhile, so between those and tying flies the winter will fly by.
This will be my last column until September.
- Mike Weddel.
