Reel Life March 2025 - Southland

Cooler weather means Mataura mayfly hatches

As conditions have started to cool, anglers have been reporting the occurrence of mayfly hatches and great fishing throughout the Mataura – from the lower reaches near Seaward Downs to the upper reaches near Garston.

Mayfly hatches on the Mataura, especially those of Deleatidium (the main genus), are influenced by environmental conditions. Ideal water temperatures for hatches are typically between 12°C and 18°C and currently, most daytime water temperatures in Southland rivers are around 12°C–14°C, which is perfect.

Cooler, overcast days will also help bring on hatches, which can occur at any time though the day. However, recently, mid-morning (10am) and between 3-5pm seem to be common hatch times.

Visiting Australian angler Roy Dixon was recently staying in the Gore area and focused his fishing on the Mataura. He had some great success fishing around Gore and Cattle Flat. A brown, size 16 Prachute Adams did the trick.

As the mayfly hatches on the Mataura often peak during March and April, now is the time to make the most of it.  

 

Roy Dixon with a nice Mataura Brown that rose for his Parachute Adams.

Lake Monowai jetty and boat ramp

The new Lake Monowai jetty and boat ramp

The new Lake Monowai jetty and boat ramp

We are pleased to report that the Lake Monowai boat ramp upgrade has been completed and a new jetty installed. This infrastructure is a great asset for Lake Monowai users, making boat launching safer and easier. We encourage you to go and check it out. We think you will be impressed.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who contributed to the project:  

• Pioneer Energy
• E H BALL ITM
• Anzor Fasteners NZ
• Stuart Timber Co
• McGregor Concrete
• Te Anau Earthworks Limited
• Paddy Dawson (Dawson Construction) & John Wood
• Mike Soper (builder)
• Monowai locals: Peter Baker, Mike O'Brien & Neil Robertson — for hands-on help and lending farm machinery
• Hāpai Hapori Community Matters
• Aotearoa Gaming Trust
• Individual who gave via the project’s Give-A-Little page.

For more photos of the new jetty and ramp, check out this link: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15Xeqjhf3Q/ 

 

‘On the Fly’ event – Gore

In late February, Southland Fish & Game staff attended the ‘On the Fly’ event in Gore. This was a great community event that celebrated trout fishing. Thanks to everyone who stopped by the Fish & Game tent for a chat. It was great to be able to talk fishing and provide some advice to beginner anglers. Thanks also to Otago Fish & Game for their support and for bringing a fish trailer tank full of juvenile rainbow trout to the event. After this event, these rainbows were released into their new home at Lake Thomas near Te Anau.  

  

Otago Fish & Game Officer Bruce Quirey helps teach a young angler how to cast a fishing rod.

 

Drift diving results – Waiau River

Fish & Game staff drift diving on the lower Waiau River. Photo credit: G. Uys

We recently completed our drift dives on the upper and lower Waiau River. On the upper Waiau, we counted trout on several reaches between the Lake Te Anau outlet and Balloon Loop while on the lower Waiau, we counted trout between the confluence with the Mararoa River and Jericho.

Unfortunately, overcast conditions and rain the night before the dive affected visibility and count accuracy on the upper Waiau. However, we can confirm there were still 250-400 trout per kilometre in the upper part of the river, mostly rainbows, and the fish were in very good condition. The count decreased with distance from the Lake Te Anau outlet.

Notably, fishing on the upper Waiau has been excellent recently. Low flows have allowed shore-based anglers to easily navigate the river's edge and access fishing spots that are usually unavailable during higher flows. Soft baits swung through the deeper runs have consistently produced good catches, and the last hour or so of light has offered great dry fly action due to relatively consistent caddis hatches.

On the lower Waiau, our dive counts were consistent with recent years, showing around 24 trout per kilometre, with higher concentrations closer to the Mararoa confluence. Unfortunately, the river substrate was heavily affected by didymo. However, after the next fresh flow, it will be worth visiting the lower Waiau. The higher flows will dislodge the didymo, spur fish movement, and should put the trout on the bite.