News/Events

Otago Fishing Report: 4th February 2010

4 February 2010, Morgan Trotter - Otago Fish & Game NZ

Otago Fish & Game Council Weekly Fishing Report

Date: 04.02.10 River and lake conditions are compiled by Fish and Game Otago with information from the Otago Regional Council received at 9.00am.

General Situation: A large high pressure system has been situated over much of Otago this week. Most waterways are at normal or below normal levels, clear and fishable. North Otago: All of the North Otago small streams remain very low and require rainfall. The Waitaki River is fairly high at 500 cummecs. Lake Waitaki continues to fish well and this might be the best option for North Otago anglers this weekend.

Southern Lakes Area: All rivers and lakes are clear and in good condition for fishing. The high pressure system has really increased insect activity, and trout are beginning to target Cicadas. Anglers can experience excellent dry fly fishing on backcountry rivers at this time of the year. Cicada, blow fly and bee patterns generally fish well. In shallows of some lakes water temperatures have been getting high during the heat of the day, pushing trout into deeper cooler water.

Central Otago: Trout have been targeting Cicadas on Poolburn and Loganburn over the last week. Lake Onslow has been producing good numbers of small to medium sized fish on Cicada patterns. The Upper Clutha is in very good order for fly fishing, especially sedge fishing on calm evenings. The Manuherikia River, Nevis River and Dunstan Creek are all low and clear. The Lindis River is getting very low.

Taieri Catchment: The Taieri River at Canadian Flat is at a reasonable level but it is very low in the middle reaches and at Outram. The south arm of Lake Waihola is clear and in good order for spin fishing. Lake Mahinerangi remains at a good level. This waterway can produce good numbers of perch in summer. These are an excellent target for young anglers using light spin fishing equipment. Southwest Otago: The Clutha River has finally dropped to a reasonable level and cleared. It is presently in excellent condition for spin and fly fishing. Although not many salmon anglers have been out, a few salmon have been caught lately. A 22lb salmon was caught near Baclutha, and fish weighing around 14lb have been landed as far up as Millers Flat. Spin fishing in deep holes with silver z spinners may well produce exciting results. All South Otago streams are clear and in good condition for fly fishing. Good numbers of fish have been reported in the Waipahi River which is at a normal level. The Pomahaka is also in very good order and contains a few sea-run trout at the moment. Morgan Trotter Otago Fish & Game Council

Waterway	Water Level/Condition
Kakanui River	Very low, clear
Shag River	Very low, clear
Taieri River at Canadian Flat	Medium, clear
Taieri River at Outram	Very low, clear
Pomahaka River	Medium, clear
Waipahi River	Medium, clear
Clutha River at Balclutha	Medium, clear
Clutha River at Cardrona	Medium, clear
Hawea River	High, clear
Lake Onslow	Medium, clear
Lake Dunstan	Medium, clear
Lake Hawea	High, clear
Lake Mahinerangi	High, clear
Lake Wanaka	Medium, clear
Lake Wakatipu	Medium, clear