Central South Island Reel Life October 2017

Off to a great start

It’s been a wet start to the fishing season in the low country but the fishing has been great when flows have allowed.

River beds like those of the Opihi and Temuka suffered hefty flooding in July, and as a result have cleaned-up and are reset for a great fishing season ahead.

Above Right: A chunky Waitaki River rainbow caught this October.

Positive reports have been coming from Lake Opuha too, fishable even when the rivers are high, with good catches of 1.5 to 2.5 pound brown trout common.

The Waitaki River flows have been great over the weekends and some chunky trout have been caught.

The sea-runs have started to show in the coastal waters like the Opihi and Orari lagoons.

And as we look ahead to the near future - Is there a better fishing month than November in CSI…?

Low country streams have good spring flows, hungry post spawning rainbows will feed flat out in the high country, and in the tidal river mouths sea-run brownies will marauding smelt, mullet, and crabs.

Exciting times to say the least!

Head for high water   

The high country season opens on Saturday November 4.

High country Opening Day will practically double the CSI's fishing options and in doing so, redirect some angler traffic from the low country waters - meaning more water for everyone.

Left: Lake Heron will be a popular spot on opening weekend if the weather plays ball.

Similar to Canterbury Plains and the North Otago coastal strip, it has been a wet winter in the high country and water tables are high and flows are healthy.

We anticipate a good start to the season and hope to see you on the water.

Our team of rangers will be out an about on opening weekend so once again a friendly reminder to carry your licence with you.  

Before heading out on Saturday the 4th it will pay to do two three things, the first being to check your 2017-2018 regulation guide by clicking here to ensure you’re up to date with the regulations, especially if you intend to fish the Ahuriri River which remains closed until December in its upper reaches.

Secondly, check the weather forecast, as it can be windy this time of year and very wet on the main divide.

Thirdly, check the Environment Canterbury river flows website here to see if any prior rain has put the rivers up.   

Salmon symposium

On the weekend of November 11-12, the Central South Island and North Canterbury regions will be hosting a Salmon Symposium at Hotel Ashburton for anglers and other interested parties to review the state of our sea-run salmon fishery and disappointing runs of recent years.

We will have a range of topics and experts to talk on them during the two day symposium.

If you're keen to attend, registration is required so please click here to link to the Fish & Game website.

Kids fishing day

Our Kids Fishing Day is fast approaching and once again will be held at Loch Cameron near Twizel.

The event will be held on Saturday, November 18.

Right: Miller Coburn with success at the 2016 kids fishing day.

Young anglers from ages 3-11 will have the opportunity to fish for hundreds of salmon that we will be releasing into the pond for the event.

Click here to visit our website and find all the details.

Sign up for Weekly Fishing Report

If you enjoy reading this Reel Life email newsletter and would like more frequent updates and reports on all topics fishing and Fish & Game, we encourage you to sign up to the Central South Island and North Canterbury Weekly Fishing Reports.

Click here to link to the weekly report sign-up form.

Pure Fly NZ

The canals are famous at home and abroad and plenty of media attention has been given to the exceptional fishery.

Last winter, Pure Fly NZ, New Zealand’s version of a fly fishing TV show, filmed at the canals for their 15 seconds of 15-pounder fame.

To see how the expert anglers got on be sure to watch the show which airs on Sky Sport 7pm Monday night, on both October 30 and again on November 6.

One of our Fish & Game officers also gets his 60 seconds of fame on the show to pass on an important message to canal anglers.

Come along to F&G Council meetings

The Central South Island Fish & Game Council meets bi-monthly at the Fish & Game offices, 32 Richard Pearce Drive in Temuka.

The next meeting will be held in December in conjunction with the Annual Public Meeting.

Meeting dates and times are posted on our CSI home page, click here to view them.

The council meetings are open to licenceholders and the public.

If you wish to address the council please ring the Fish & Game office in advance to tell staff you want to speak, and give your topic: 03-6158400.

Good luck for arguably the best month of the season…

Rhys Adams, Central South Island Fish & Game Officer

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