Otago Reel Life October 2018
- Otago
- 29/10/2018
Bring on the warmer conditions
Labour Weekend was warm and pleasant which allowed angers to take advantage of respectable fishing opportunities.
Anglers reported good fishing across the region with some nicely conditioned fish in the mix.
Above right: Wanaka angler Paddy ONeill with a great catchon a beautiful spring day.
Fish & Game officer Steve Dixon has been busy transferring rainbow trout from the region’s hatchery at Macraes Flat to waters across the region, to ensure that fisheries are kept well stocked and there are fish for kids to catch at Take a Kid fishing events.
The Upper Clutha River continues to fish well.
Back country opening
Otago's backcountry fisheries open on November 1st.
Otago now has nine designated Backcountry (BC) fisheries with this year’s inclusion of the Upper Pomahaka River.
They all require a BC licence endorsement in addition to a whole season licence. For information click here
Anglers who apply for the Backcountry Endorsement will be issued with an updated copy of their licence showing the backcountry 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, usually via an online survey.
Note that a One Day licence does not qualify for the backcountry endorsement that's needed to fish the backcountry.
The use of authorised lures with multiple hooks is now prohibited in the backcountry.
Please respect the rights of other backcountry anglers and share water amicably.
If you're not a New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent resident's visa, you must buy a Non-Resident Licence and then apply for a backcountry endorsement.
Non-Resident licences were first introduced in the 2014/15 season.
Sports fishing regulation booklets can be obtained when you buy your licence from fishing stores or you can access the rules & regs on our website by clicking the following Link.
Lake Wanaka angler surveys
Anglers are reminded they must have their licence on them when fishing.
Angler surveys have begun on Lake Wanaka to gather catch rate information and fish data. Also, of interest to survey staff is the presence of salmon and flesh samples will be taken from harvested fish for DNA analysis.
All anglers need to ensure that a current licence is available for inspection.
Upcoming Events
Over the next couple of months there are various Take a Kid Fishing (TAKF) activities and competitions being run by Clubs and groups.
2-3 November Lake Hawea Hotel Fishing Competition
11 November Lake Dunstan Family Fishing Competition
18 November Upper Clutha Anglers TAKF at Lake Hawea
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 Fish and Game Officer, Cromwell