Otago Fish & Game officer Mason Court said a positive of the wet weather was that the tributaries of the upper lakes tended to clear quickly, but they could also rise extremely fast, so anglers should exercise caution crossing rivers.
Fish & Game staff recently completed drift dives to monitor fish populations in some of the high-country rivers in the upper Clutha catchment. While trout numbers appeared to be down, their overall condition and size was impressive.
"Some excellently conditioned rainbow trout and extra-large brown trout close to the magical 10lb [4.5kg] trophy mark have been observed.’’
The drift dives showed large fish were often sitting where they could find shelter and a constant food source.
"These large fish often sit at the back of a pool or slow run. So, if conditions aren’t suitable for sight fishing, make sure to take time to blind-fish these areas."
High-country dams and reservoirs such as the Upper Manorburn also opened on November 1.
