Otago Reel Life September 2019

Daylight Saving, school holidays, opening day - Time to go fishing

October 1 is the start of the 2019/20 season, a new licence and undisturbed water is the right formula to get started.

Many lowland and inland waters will be open for the first time since May and with the school holidays it is a prime time to give the kids a taste of the season opening.

Above Right: Dan Brake and son James enjoying a fantastic spring day on Lake Wanaka.

Spring is finally here with some warmer weather experienced through the middle of September.

Fish will become more active as water temperatures increase to suitable levels.

Main lakes and rivers remained low through September and fishing conditions were near perfect.

The Upper Clutha River continues to improve with anglers reporting increasing fish numbers and fish condition.

With daylight savings arriving on Sunday September 29 the additional hour will allow more time to fish the productive evening period.

Lakes river mouths are still crowded with fish and boating on a calm evening is a great way to relax after a hard day’s work.

The coastal white bait run has been patchy with the occasional good catch reported. Large estuary sea run browns will be in good condition.  Put in the effort and you will get results.

Remember the main lakes tributaries and back country fisheries don’t open until November 1^st with the exception of the Nevis and Pomahaka River and BC fisheries which opens on October 1.

Fish liberations

Fish and Game Officer Nigel Pacey clipping rainbow fingerlings for research.

Hatchery manager Steve Dixon has been busy releasing fish to inland reservoirs and dams.

Recently 3000 yearling rainbow trout were adipose (the wee fin between dorsal fin and tail) fin clipped to gather growth patterns and angler catch details.

We will be communicating with anglers about providing information. Watch this space! 

Protecting our waterways

This summer Fish and Game will be working alongside the ORC, MPI and Biosecurity NZ to spread the message about the importance of protecting waterways from freshwater pests.

This work is vital in protecting our rivers and lakes.

It is very important that water users clean all gear when moving between waterways.

Please go to the link here for the appropriate information. 

Upcoming Events

October 5 – Glenorchy Fishing Competition.

November 2^nd and 3^rd – Lake Hawea Hotel fishing competition

November 10 – Rotary of Cromwell Lake Dunstan Fishing Competition.

November 24 – Central Otago, Manuherikia River. An introduction to soft bait fishing. If you haven’t tried it and want to know more, get along. Go to the Otago Fish and Game face book page for more information.

December 15 – Taieri River. An introduction to soft bait fishing. Go to the Otago Fish and Game face book page for more information.

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

Land and public access information can be located on the NZ Walking Access Commission site here

“Most of the world is covered by water. A fisherman’s job is simple: Pick out the best parts. “
Charles Waterman

Cliff Halford Fish and Game Officer, Cromwell