Fishing Reports index >December 2008

Mackenzie Country Fishing Report

Good rains through the last month have provided us with some excellent fishing opportunities and some prospects for excellent water levels through the summer.  Unlike last year’s hot sunny days, this year the weather has been really mild and wet.  Some excellent mayfly hatches through November and December have meant good dry fly fishing on most rivers and streams.  Fish numbers this season, appear to be down in some areas, but thriving in others, with a recent trip on the Waitaki River showing this.  Despite large spreads of Didymo, fish there were willing participants in our fishing endeavours when taken from areas I would not traditionally fish, yet proved difficult to find and coax in the usual hot spots. 

Whilst river levels have been high in many areas, making sight fishing a chore, fish have responded well to either a Adams, Royal Wulff, or an emerger fished in the surface film, and failing that, have been willing to hit nymphs with gusto.  Some areas, especially in the eastern parts of the district, where rivers are still at very low levels, have not received the westerly rainfall of the high country. Hence, fish in these areas have been very spooky, with poor fishing skills being punished.  However the odd quick flush of rain sparks the fishing there and gets the fish actively feeding and a little less touchy.

Lake fishing in the region is taking off, with all major lakes now at full or near full levels, providing good opportunities for trout tailing in the newly inundated grassy areas, which have missed being flooded for the last season or two.  This will provide some great fishing over the summer months, so keep an eye out for fish working the shallows.  Lake Benmore is as always fishing well, with excellent numbers of hearty fish, averaging 1.7kg. 

Have a great Christmas and New Year and all the best for the coming summer’s angling.

Will Spry

Will Spry is an independent fishing guide; his reports are not officially representative of Fish & Game NZ

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