River and lake conditions are compiled by Fish and Game Otago with information from the Otago Regional Council received at 9.00am on Thursday.
General Situation: Most waterways throughout Otago are normal or below normal and clear.
Brown and rainbow trout are beginning to congregate around river mouths in the high-country lakes in preparation for spawning.
Some of our lowland streams are experiencing good mid-afternoon mayfly hatches.
The forecast for Easter weekend is largely fine and anglers are encouraged to venture out and make the most of what is left of the fishing season
North Otago Coast: The Kakanui and the Shag remain very low and require rainfall.
Anglers can expect the trout will be very wary in the crystal-clear water and small light equipment is advised.
The Waikouaiti and Shag estuaries should be holding some large sea-run trout at the moment.
Often these fish become more active in the evenings and night fishing with dark lures may produce some big fish.
The salmon season is now closed in the Waitaki River.
Southern Lakes Area: Land-locked salmon should be running their spawning grounds such as Diamond Creek and the Matukituki and Hunter rivers.
Small shinny lures and flies are best for these salmon.
Often large trout will follow the salmon runs upstream to target their eggs and a weighted nymph or glow-bug pattern can produce some exciting fishing.
Boat anglers should concentrate their efforts off the major river mouths.
Central Otago: Many of the Central Otago water reservoirs are low.
The Nevis and the Manuherikia rivers are in good condition for fishing.
Fish are preparing to run up the Manuherikia for spawning so its confluence with the Clutha would be a good spot to try.
Rainbows in Lake Dunstan are in superb condition and fishing a feathered lure in the evening or at night over the weed beds might produce some big fish.
Taieri Catchment: The Taieri River is low and clear.
Fish are congregating in pools around stream mouths, waiting for a fresh to run upstream and spawn.
Prior to spawning, lures with red can be very effective especially red and gold veltic spinners.
To boost local fishing opportunities Fis and Game have recently stocked Sullivans Dam with trout from the OceanaGold Macraes hatchery.
For those anglers who like to fish closer to home, large fish have been seen moving up the Leith near the Botanic Garden.
Southwest Otago: Anglers can anticipate some good mayfly hatches on calm afternoons.
Some large sea-runs have been seen in the Pomahaka system, which is running low and clear.
A few salmon have been caught around Ettrick and at Roxburgh.
F&G would greatly appreciate brown trout heads from fish caught in the Lower Clutha River for a scientific study.
Please note the length and where the fish was caught.
Freeze the head and contact F&G for collection.
Waterway: Water Level/Condition
Kakanui River: Very low, clear
Shag River: Low, clear
Taieri River at Canadian Flat: Low, clear
Taieri River at Outram: Very low, clear
Pomahaka River: Low, clear
Waipahi River: Low, clear
Clutha River at Balclutha: Medium, clear
Clutha River at Cardrona: Medium, clear
Hawea River: Medium, clear
Lake Onslow: Medium, clear
Lake Dunstan: Medium, clear
Lake Hawea: Low, clear
Lake Mahinerangi: High, clear
Lake Wanaka: Medium, clear
Lake Wakatipu: Medium, clear
