Otago weekly fishing report - 17 October 2024

A week of cool overnight temperatures and minimal rain has worked wonders for many coastal and lowland streams, bringing them back to a fishable state. While some rivers are still running slightly high, the water has cleared significantly, making it much easier to spot trout.

Pictured above: Hadlee Edmunds with a lovely brown trout caught from the upper Taieri River. Credit: Hadlee Edmunds.

Water temperatures are also rising with high pressure systems and longer, sunny days.
Many aquatic insects, such as mayflies and sedges, are hatching out in the afternoons. Fish & Game staff conducting recent spawning surveys for rainbow trout have seen many fish out rising after lunch on many rivers.

Having a selection of different coloured and sized dry flies in your box can be an advantage, as sometimes these fish can be very selective on what they want to eat.

Don’t get caught out

Many of Otago’s high-country streams, rivers, and reservoirs remain closed until November 1.

During a recent spawning survey, an angler was found fishing in a river that was closed for spawning. The offending angler was issued an offence notice and had his fishing equipment seized.

Closing rivers during spawning seasons is crucial to allow fish to reproduce and replenish their populations without disturbance. It’s a reminder that not all access points have information signs, so it’s always wise to double-check the regulations before you head out if you’re unsure.

The 2024/25 Otago Sportfishing Regulations can be found here.

Spinning the mouths

Marcus Panton with a rainbow trout caught spinning the upper Clutha River below Albert Town. Credit: Mason Court

Sam from Queenstown Hunting & Fishing reports that spinning and trolling near stream mouths on the larger lakes has been producing excellent results.

Stream mouths often serve as prime feeding grounds for trout and salmon due to the steady flow of food into the lake. For anglers spinning from the shore, Sam suggests ensuring your lure has enough weight to reach the deep drop-off, which is sometimes set well back from where the river or stream enters the lake.

Popular fishing spots around the Lake Wakatipu foreshore include:

• Devil Staircase Creek

• Rees & Dart Mouth

• Greenstone Mouth

• Lochy Mouth

• 25 Mile Delta

Floating Debris

Mark from South Wild Wānaka advises anglers that recent rain has caused a lot of surface debris to float around Lakes Wānaka, Dunstan and Hāwea, which can easily foul fishing lines and lures.

He recommends regularly checking your line and lure to keep them clear of obstructions. Despite the debris, Mark has had success fishing in Stevenson Arm on Lake Wānaka, using a downrigger and traffic light Tasmanian Devils. He reports that the rainbow trout are in excellent condition, making them perfect specimens should you want a fish for the table.

Go big, or go home

Lily Manson with a brown that could not resist a squirmy worm fly. Credit: Tim Johnson.

Early season fish often find it hard to turn down that source of extra protein in the form of a larger than usual fly, whether it be a streamer, stonefly or worm.

In the higher flows and discoloured water, fish will be more likely to see these larger prey items, especially with rusty, early season presentations!

Aquatic insects, too, tend to be larger at the start of the season. Mayflies in particular tend to be biggest at the start of the season. This is because the nymphs have been feeding all winter and waiting for warmer water, causing them to grow larger.

By mid-summer, mayfly nymphs tend to have very short life spans, and often ‘hatching out’ when comparatively small. To use the common Deleatidium mayfly as an example, the average ‘hatching’ nymph during October can be around a size 12 or 14 hook, whereas in February or March these hatching nymphs can be smaller than a size 18.

So, get those big bugs out at this time of year, and dredge the depths.

Clyde Dam live webcam

A screengrab of the Clyde Dam webcam taken at the time of writing.

Want to know conditions at Clyde Dam? Check this live webcam sponsored by Contact Energy updated every 15 minutes.

Lake Wānaka live webcam

A screengrab of the Lake Wānaka webcam taken at the time of writing.

Want to know conditions at Lake Wānaka? Check this live webcam from the Wānaka water sports facility.

Here’s the weekend outlook:

Dunedin

Favourable fishing conditions are forecast this weekend around Dunedin. Light northeasterlies are forecast to strengthen on Saturday afternoon before easing overnight. Sunday’s forecast is clear , with light winds and air temperatures reaching up to 20°C, providing ideal conditions for targeting coastal streams before they rise again with Monday's heavy rain.

The Taieri River at Outram was flowing at 40.3 cumecs. The water temperature was 10.4 degrees C.

Click here for live weather updates.

Wānaka

Clear skies and warm air temperatures are forecast for Wānaka this weekend. Northwesterlies are expected to build throughout both days, with some partial cloud forming on Sunday. As temperatures rise, anglers can anticipate afternoon hatches, making for great fishing conditions. The lower sections of the Makarora and Matukituki Rivers should remain clear as should the Deans bank section of the upper Clutha River.

Click here for live weather updates.

Alexandra

Don't forget to stay sun smart in Alexandra this weekend! With clear skies forecast for both days, warm temperatures reaching the 20s, and no wind, the conditions are perfect for fishing, whether you're on the river or at the reservoir. This stretch of calm weather should have helped dry out many of the access tracks, making it easier to reach reservoirs and dams like Poolburn.

Click here for live weather updates.

Clutha Regional Forecast

A mainly fine forecast is expected this weekend around the Lower Clutha, with isolated showers clearing by Saturday night. Sunday is shaping up to be the best day, featuring clear skies, light winds, and warm temperatures. Be prepared for the Lower Clutha River to still carry significant colour from upstream.

The Pomahaka River was flowing at 27.1 cumecs

The lower Clutha River at Balclutha was flowing at 738 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 otago@fishandgame.org.nz for consideration in the weekly report.