Otago Reel Life Mar 2017

Waters in great condition

Calm conditions and clear water through March was welcomed by anglers.

Across the region anglers reported some great fishing and it’s set to continue through April.

Lowland and brown trout fisheries close on April 30 so don’t sit back and allow the remainder of the season to pass by without wetting a line.

Also remember the Easter holiday break is just around the corner.

The Lower Taieri and Clutha Rivers continue to fish well and large sea run browns will soon be spawning in the upper reaches and tributary streams.

Upper Manorburn Reservoir could be worth a visit. Rainbows will be healthy heading into winter.

Lake Dunstan never fails to surprise and some good fish have been caught at the head of the lake in the clear channels.

Above Right: Steve Higgins from Australia on a picture perfect day at Lake Dunstan.

Trollers took advantage of the settled March weather and reported some great fishing in the Clutha Arm and Kawarau Arms alike.

The Upper Clutha River dropped progressively through March and continues to improve.

Trout are being lured to the surface just prior to dark by mayfly hatches and after dark caddis hatches have kept trout on the feed.

The Lake Wanaka outlet is a hotspot - try a dry fly or slowly fish a small wet downstream.

Fly of the month is a purple grouse.

Inflowing tributaries to the main lakes close at the end of May so plan a weekend away.

It has been a quite season so far for the Lower Clutha salmon run but a few have been caught below the Roxburgh Dam and a late run might still happen.

Salmon samples needed - all waters

In addition to our monitoring of Lower Clutha salmon stocks a genetics study is underway.

Anglers are being asked to provide salmon head samples in a plastic bag complete with catch location; date caught and fish length/weight if possible - with contact details.

Place in the freezer and contact Otago Fish & Game to arrange collection. 

Key areas of importance are the main lakes of Hawea, Wanaka, Wakatipu and tributary waters.

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