Otago Reel Life December 2018

Bring on the holidays 

Eagerly awaited, the Christmas and New Year holiday period allows anglers to leave work behind and time to concentrate on some enjoyable angling.

Shops and cafes in the lakes area will be brimming with tourists so what better time to find somewhere quiet to fish?

Above right: Halco poltergeist 50XDD in pink Fluro – The fish hate them!

Get away to an early start and you'll find fish cruising lake edges prior to all the boating traffic.

Bully patterns are deadly and for fly anglers, something with a touch of green such as a Hamills killer is a good option.

For spin anglers, if you haven’t tried your hand at soft baits give them a go. 

Trollers on the large lakes will need to fish deeper during the heat of the day.

Halco Poltergeist lures are highly recommended and on light braid they will dive down to eight metres.

They come in a variety of colours with two plastic bibs.

Inland reservoirs are full and there have been numerous reports of good fishing.

Fish have been feeding over flooded ground and are in great condition.

Places to take the kids 

The region offers plenty of choices for the kids.

Butchers and Conroys dams near Alexandra are easy to access, and Lake Johnston near Queenstown is regularly stocked with rainbow trout.

Pinders Pond near Roxburgh is a great place to catch perch. 

Around Dunedin, Southern Reservoir and Sullivans Dam are always well stocked with rainbow trout.

The lowland estuaries provide great opportunities for those large predatory brown trout with the chance of catching a kahawai.

Fishing licence information can be found here 

A full range of angling information and brochures can be found here

Angler Etiquette and Safety 

Wearing a lifejacket doesn’t inhibit you from catching fish as Gae Chant from Tarras shows.

'Remember to treat others as you would wish to be treated yourself.'

This especially applies on backcountry rivers where there's  often only one access point and water that requires sharing.

Good communication with other anglers that you encounter is most important. 

Respect the environment, don’t leave rubbish or discarded nylon behind and if you harvest fish, kill them humanely and store them on ice to protect their quality.

Always respect the wishes of landowners and remember it is not a right to access private land.

Permission must be obtained.

Keep safe around waterways, wear lifejackets when boating and always be aware of the changing circumstances when children are involved. 

Remember the Golden Rule – let someone know where you're going and what time you intend to return!

Upcoming events 

On December 28, 2018, a boat fishing seminar will be held at the Glendhu Bay Camping Ground, at 2pm.

December 29, 2018 - boat fishing seminar at the Hawea Camping Ground, 2pm.

January 2^nd, 2019 - Cromwell Districts Club Fishing Competition.

This year a John Deere ride-on mower is up for grabs to a lucky ticket holder.

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. 

From all the team at Otago Fish & Game, we wish you a pleasant and safe Christmas and a most enjoyable New Year.

Cliff Halford Fish and Game Officer, Cromwell - phone 027-201 8153

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