Otago Reel Life November 2018

Fish to chase in spite of floods

In mid-late November a series of fronts with plenty of rain delivered a lot of water to central, eastern and southern Otago.

Some Taieri residents were on full flood alert. On November 23 the Manuherikia River near Alexandra flooded at around 450 cumecs which sent a surge of filthy water down the Clutha River.

Above Right:A fine backcountry rainbow inches away from release.

The Lindis River coloured Lake Dunstan but this should recover reasonably quickly and hopefully in be in good shape for the summer holiday season.

Inland reservoirs remain high and anglers have been reporting good catches over flooded ground.

Western parts of the district didn’t get hit that hard and rivers should remain okay if the rain stays away.

Backcountry rivers survive the rain

There have been some good reports from back country anglers with plenty of fish in rivers providing some good angling opportunities.

in addition to a full season licence all Backcountry anglers require a Backcountry licence endorsement which is available here.

Anglers who apply for the Backcountry Endorsement will be issued with an updated copy of their licence showing the endorsement stamp.

Anglers must carry this copy of their licence with them when fishing backcountry rivers.

Holders of a backcountry licence endorsement are required to cooperate with Fish & Game requests for angling information which typically takes the form of online surveys.

The Greenstone Controlled Fishery starts on February 1 and finishes on March 31. Details on the booking system can be found by clicking here

Note - A One Day Licence does not qualify for the backcountry endorsement that's required for designated backcountry fisheries.

The use of authorised lures with multiple hooks in a backcountry fishery is now prohibited.

Respect the rights of other backcountry anglers and share water amicably.

If you are not a New Zealand citizen, or holder of a permanent resident visa, you must purchase a non-resident licence and additionally apply for a BC licence endorsement.

Take a kid fishing

Take a kid fishing events across the region continue to provide great opportunities and wonderful entertainment.

The Upper Clutha Anglers Club recently celebrated their day on Lake Hawea with a calm day and lots of fish.

Brown and rainbow trout, and numerous landlocked salmon were eagerly reeled into boats with all kids catching fish.

A barbecue lunch was provided, and the kids left with a few gifts. A great effort by the club.

The next main event will be the Alexandra District Club TAKF day in February.

Lindis River update

The Environment Court Hearing on the setting of the minimum flow which began in November has been adjourned to late January.

It is quite a complex and lengthy process taking up a vast amount of staff time and other resources.

Hopefully Fish & Game's efforts and concerns over water use will be justified with more water left to the river in the future.

Kids tour of wetland

The newly opened boardwalk through the Fish & Game property at Wanaka is proving very popular.

Two classes from Goldfields Primary School in Cromwell visited the decommissioned hatchery site which is fast becoming a scenic wonderland.

Trees were alive with birds, fish were seen in the stream and a female mallard duck proudly displayed her four ducklings.

Thanks to a lot of community effort and considerable native tree planting, the headwaters of Bullock Creek will be enhanced and protected for future generations.

Upcoming events

January 2^nd 2019 Cromwell Districts Club Fishing competition.

Mid-February 2019 Alexandra Fishing Club TAKF at Earnscleugh

Mid-February 2019 Lake Hawea Family Fishing Classic

For complaints about pollution or damage to rivers contact the Otago Regional Council (ORC) 24-hour pollution hotline on 0800-800 033

Up to date river flow information can be found on the ORC site here

Cliff Halford, Otago Fish and Game Officer, Cromwell

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