Ōhau River Spring Season ballots – Period 2 ballot open for entries

Central South Island Fish & Game (CSIFG) has set up a ballot system (lottery) to limit angler numbers at the Ōhau River between lakes Ōhau and Ruataniwha.

Limiting angler numbers on the Ōhau River will maintain the high-country fishery aesthetics during the increasingly popular September and October “Spring Season.”

Only those anglers winning a controlled-period licence in the ballots can fish the Ōhau River between lakes Ruataniwha and Ōhau during the months of September and October.

Above Right:  Cate Lee caught and released this huge rainbow trout on the 2021 Spring Season Opening Day – photo by Ben Sowry.

The Period 1 ballot proved popular, with 318 anglers entering the draw.

Fifty-nine anglers, or about 18% of those entered, were lucky enough to win a controlled-period fishing licence that permits them to fish a specified 2–3-day allocation only.

The Period 2 ballot covers the fishing allocation dates between 13 and 28 September and is now open for online entries via the www.fishandgame.org.nz website.

The Period 2 Ballot closes for entries on 24^th August at 5 pm.

Click here to link to the Ōhau River Controlled Backcountry Fishery webpage, where you will find information about the ballots and the online ballot entry form.    

Anglers seeking further information about the Spring Season ballots can contact Central South Island Fish & Game. Phone: 03 615 8400, email: csi@fishandgame.org.nz