Otago weekly fishing report - 14 November 2024
- Otago
- 14/11/2024
Big lakes filled to the brim
It seems we’re caught in a weather pattern that brings rain showers just before or during the weekends. Many of the upper lake tributaries are running high and murky, with snowmelt from earlier snowfall adding to the challenging conditions.
On the positive side, the rain has filled the large lakes to capacity, creating ample habitat for trout to feed — an advantage for shore-based and boat anglers. The higher water levels allow boat anglers to access spots typically out of reach, while the deeper water encourages trout to cruise and feed closer to shore. However, boat anglers should stay vigilant, as recent rains have led to significant debris, including large logs, floating in the lakes.
Trout on the chew for small perch
At Lake Dunstan, small perch imitations have been highly effective on trout, says Tim Johnson from Central Otago Hunting & Fishing. Perch-coloured Rapalas, soft baits, and streamers with hints of red have proven successful over the past few weeks. The extra colour seems to work well in the slightly discoloured waters, Tim says.
Pictured above: Tim Johnson plays a feisty brown trout at the top of Lake Dunstan. Photo: Roger Tompkins.
Trout on the chew for small perch
At Lake Dunstan, small perch imitations have been highly effective on trout, says Tim Johnson from Central Otago Hunting & Fishing.
Perch-coloured Rapalas, soft baits, and streamers with hints of red have proven successful over the past few weeks. The extra colour seems to work well in the slightly discoloured waters, Tim says.
Hāwea heating up
Salmon catches are starting to ramp up in Lake Hāwea. Late spring and early summer mark a peak period in Hāwea's fishing calendar, as anglers converge to target the lake’s salmon as they school up. Here are five tips for this area now:
- Focus on Hot Spots: Try fishing opposite the boat ramp at The Camp and around The Neck, where salmon are known to gather.
- Choose Bright Lures: For salmon, use bright or shiny lures and a slow retrieve to keep them in the strike zone longer.
- Reach the Right Depth: Salmon schools have been 10–15 metres deep in 60–100 metres of water. Use a downrigger or a paravane to get your lure to the right depth.
- Enjoy the Rainbows: Alongside salmon, healthy rainbow trout are also in the lake, providing a fun and challenging catch.
- Keep It Fresh: Bring ice and a chilly bin to keep your catch fresh, as both salmon and rainbow trout make great table fare.
To watch a video explaining tips and tricks for chasing Southern Lakes salmon click here.
Smaller stillwaters
Angus Clareburt with a stunning-coloured brown trout caught on a small soft bait at Lake Dispute. Credit: Ben Laverack.
When planning your weekend fishing, don’t overlook Otago’s smaller stillwaters, lakes, and dams.
These reservoirs and dams remain fishable even when rivers are high, offering good opportunities. If road conditions or high river flows prevent you from reaching your intended spot, consider central lakes options such as Moke Lake, Lake Fitzpatrick, and Lake Dispute. There are also several productive stillwater options in the Maniototo.
Fishing these waters can be productive with soft baits, spinners, and streamers. Fly anglers often find success using brown beetle patterns in the evenings or damsel fly larvae patterns, retrieved slowly when fish are cruising during the day. Bait fishing with worms is another effective approach — try using a small ball sinker to cast the bait into promising areas.
For where to fish in Otago click here
Greenstone and Caples access/Kinloch Road
Kinloch Road damage from the November 9 flood. Credit: QLDC.
Kinloch Road will remain closed due to a washout for several more days.
Queenstown Lakes District Council engineering and construction teams are working to re-establish a route out of Kinloch as soon as possible.
Work is underway to construct a temporary road through private property to bypass the washout. For updates, go to www.qldc.govt.nz/kinloch-road-closure.
Upper Clutha Anglers Take A Kid Fishing event
The Baumgren Family with Charlie holding his catch at last year’s Upper Clutha Angler Take A Kid Fishing event. Photo: Mason Court
Limited spots are still available for this year’s Upper Clutha Anglers Take a Kid Fishing event, to be held this Sunday, November 17, in Cromwell.
The event runs from 10am to 1pm and welcomes children aged 8-10 years. No prior fishing experience is needed, and fishing tackle can be provided.
Enrolments are limited. To register, please contact the Upper Clutha Angler Club at [email protected] for a registration form, or phone Allan Kane 021 680 4416.
Queenstown soft bait clinic
Participants at the Queenstown soft bait clinic watch and learn with Lance Gill. Credit: Mason Court.
More than 30 anglers attended the Queenstown soft bait fishing clinic with Lance Gill, from Okuma, and Otago Fish & Game staff at the Shotover Delta last night.
Lance shared his expertise and knowledge on soft bait techniques and gear before participants tested their skills on the Kawarau River.
Despite the river level being up, and many participants getting wet feet, one angler put their new and improved skills straight into effect landing a tasty silver rainbow trout.
Lake Wānaka live webcam
Want to know conditions at Lake Wānaka? Check this live webcam from the Wānaka water sports facility.
Here’s the weekend outlook:
Dunedin
Showers and fresh south-westerlies are forecast for Friday and Saturday morning, clearing by Saturday evening. Sunday offers the best weather, with clear skies and light winds before north-easterlies develop in the evening. Most rivers have returned to normal flows over the week, and depending on rainfall, should not rise significantly.
The Taieri River at Outram was flowing at 15 cumecs. The water temperature was 15.1 degrees C.
Click here for live weather updates.
Wānaka
A wet start to the weekend is forecast for Wanaka, with rain showers expected to clear by Saturday evening and light winds in the forecast. Most rivers in the upper lakes region are likely to carry some colour from rain and snowmelt. However, Sunday is shaping up to be an ideal fishing day, with light morning winds, clear skies, and warm temperatures — perfect conditions for stalking flood margins along the lake edges or fishing spring creeks.
Click here for live weather updates.
Alexandra
Chilly southerlies and occasional rain showers are forecast for Friday and Saturday, with conditions clearing by Sunday. Sunday’s weather looks perfect for a trip to local reservoirs or dams, with clear skies and light winds expected. Take care on access roads, as they may be slippery after the recent rain.
Click here for live weather updates.
Clutha Regional Forecast
The Lower Clutha faces a mixed forecast this weekend, with showers, southerlies, and a chance of snow down to 600m on Saturday. Sunday looks much more favourable for fishing, with clear skies and light easterlies expected. The Lower Clutha will likely remain high and discoloured due to the large volume of water in the upper catchment, while the Pomahaka has returned to more stable, lower flows.
The Pomahaka River at Burkes Ford was flowing at 11 cumecs.
The lower Clutha River at Balclutha was flowing at 1120 cumecs.
Click here for live weather updates.
For more ORC water monitoring and alerts information click here.
Grab your licence online and let the angling adventures begin
Got any Otago fishing news?
Send your fishing news and photos (with anglers’ names) to [email protected] for consideration in the weekly report.
Tight lines,
Otago Fish & Game