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 1st 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 2nd and 3rd – 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
Categories
Archive
- March 2022
- February 2022
- January 2022
- December 2021
- November 2021
- October 2021
- August 2021
- April 2021
- March 2021
- February 2021
- January 2021
- December 2020
- November 2020
- October 2020
- September 2020
- August 2020
- March 2020
- February 2020
- January 2020
- December 2019
- November 2019
- October 2019
- September 2019
- August 2019
- April 2019
- March 2019
- February 2019
- January 2019
- December 2018
- November 2018
- October 2018
- September 2018
- August 2018
- May 2018
- April 2018
- March 2018
- February 2018
- January 2018
- December 2017
- November 2017
- October 2017
- September 2017
- August 2017
- May 2017
- March 2017
- February 2017
- January 2017