Otago Fish and Game officer Cliff Halford said yesterday most fisheries in the region were in ''good condition'' for the opening of the season on Monday.
''Certainly, weather conditions play a part in how opening day will pan out and it looks like we will get some clear skies.''
While snow expected this week could impact water clarity, so far there were not expected to be any ''major rain events'' between now and opening day.
''We're expecting that the fishing should be quite good.''
Yesterday Fish and Game released 800 rainbow trout, weighing between 1.5kg and 5kg, into Dunedin's Southern Reservoir for a kids' fishing day this Saturday, which has more than 230 entries.
It will also release another 8000 during spring into dams and rivers across Otago.
In a statement, Fish and Game said rivers remained stable after a mild winter and were expected to be in reasonable condition for the season opening.
Inland fisheries were holding ''plenty of water'' and the Poolburn Reservoir was expected to get the usual influx of hut owners and opening day anglers.
The Clutha River and large lakes, which were open throughout the year, had fished well through winter, and that was expected to continue into the season, Mr Halford said.
The main lake tributaries and most back-country fisheries will not open until November 1.
Mr Halford reminded anglers to keep safe around waterways and to respect the wishes of property owners who provided access to waterways.
''Anglers should note there have been several regulation changes from last season and that a current fishing licence must be carried at all times while fishing.''
Field officer Steven Dixon said the Southern Reservoir would have fish left over after the weekend for anglers if rivers were muddy.
The Otago Daily Times' weekly fishing column will start on Friday.
