Otago Weekly Fishing Report - 11 April 2024

With mixed weather forecast for most of the region this weekend, close local spots are a good option to make the most of any breaks in the weather.

Dunedin has three main reservoirs close to town (click on the links below to watch videos):

• Southern Reservoir
• Tomahawk Lagoon
• Sullivans Dam

Ryan, from Hunting & Fishing Dunedin, says anglers are still having success when casting black-and-gold paddle tail soft baits into the deeper section of Southern Reservoir. Most fish are striking as the lure drops.

Salmon hot spots

Now the weather is cooler, salmon will be building up at the head of Lake Wakatipu.

After spending three years in the lake, mature salmon run up the rivers to spawn, and then die. Before their migration, these salmon are at their peak condition, and their flesh is filled with healthy omega-3 fats and oils, and perfect for the table.

Hot spots for boat anglers to try are trolling between the Rees and Dart river mouths with a lead line or downrigger. For anglers without downriggers or lead lines, try drifting with the motor off, and casting from the boat.

Shore anglers can catch salmon from the mouth of the Rees River, near Glenorchy. If fishing from shore, we urge all anglers to wear lifejackets, and fish with a companion. This area has tragically claimed some lives over the years, due to the soft sand and fierce undertow.

Salmon normally build numbers up at river mouths, waiting until the water recedes after a flood. With heavy rain forecast, the salmon will be waiting in the lake, ready for the conditions to stabilise.

Brighten up

Lure colours to use for these salmon are bright chartreuse, hot pink, or shining silver or gold. For casting, try spinner baits such as Veltics or spoons in smaller sizes like 7gm. For trolling, it’s hard to go past the classic Tasmanian Devils or Cobras.

The bag limit for Lake Wakatipu is four salmon.

There is a zero-bag limit for salmon in the rivers flowing into the lake, so any salmon accidently caught when trout fishing must be released.

Aquatic weed spraying

Boat-based aquatic weed spraying using diquat is scheduled for the Kawarau River this Friday, April 12, targeting areas from Kawarau Falls Bridge to the Shotover River confluence.

The operation is expected to last only one day and will not occur on weekends or public holidays. Diquat gel will be used, subject to suitable conditions, and a 24-hour precautionary period for swimming, fishing, and water usage is recommended post-treatment.

For more information, phone Boffa Miskell Ltd Biosecurity on 0800 638 943, email biosecurity@boffamiskell.co.nz, or go to the LINZ website.

Clyde Dam live webcam