The relatively settled weather conditions continue and the prospects for fishing keep getting better.
The small amount of rain that fell midweek had little effect on rivers and streams and most are at a similar level to what they were last weekend.
Once again, the pick of the fishing would be on the Mataura and the Clutha. The lower Clutha was exceptionally low at a steady height last weekend and I am sure anyone who fished it would have done well. The Mataura was at a good fishing level and very clear, perfect for fishing.
From what I have heard the cicadas did not really come on last weekend, and with the drop in night-time temperatures this week the chances of much action are now slim.
The temperature of most waters at the moment is between 14degC and 18degC, which is ideal for fish feeding and therefore for anglers to catch fish.
This was borne out last weekend on the Mataura. I was full of anticipation as I drove south on Sunday morning listening to tsunami warnings on the radio, safe in the knowledge that it would be highly unlikely for the tidal surge to come 50km up the Mataura to Wyndham.
When I got to the river I was unable to use the anglers access entry I had chosen for the morning session as it was padlocked, so I drove back towards Mataura and fished a section of river I had not fished for many years.
I started to fish a good-looking reach and, after about 15 minutes, landed a fish on a gold tungsten beadhead. I also had a size 14 hare's ear on the dropper. It was drizzly with a bit of a breeze and although the water was clear it was difficult to see in. The next fish was in a deep run against a rocky reef, again on the bead head.
In the shallower water above, I spotted a couple of fish right against the edge and both took the smaller nymph. Over the next couple of hours the odd fish came to the net, then it began to brighten up and a few duns appeared, followed by a fall of spinners to which the odd fish rose. It was now time for lunch and a change of location.
Further upstream, I approached one of my favourite spots on the Mataura. Looking upstream I could see a couple of anglers in my target area. While contemplating my next move I saw a rise in front of me, then another, and soon there were several rising steadily to a stream of spinners.
I tied on a spinner imitation, waded into position and spent the rest of the afternoon picking up fish on 100m or so of flat water that gave me the best afternoon's fishing so far this season. Hopefully, it will be just as good this weekend.
RIVER AND LAKE CONDITIONS
River and lake conditions are compiled by Fish and Game Otago with information from the Otago Regional Council received at 9am yesterday.
General situation: Most waterways throughout Otago are low and clear but in good condition for fishing. If the weather is settled anglers can expect some good mid-afternoon mayfly rises, especially in South Otago and Southland streams.
North Otago: The coastal North Otago streams are still low and weedy and could do with a fresh. Flows in the Shag are low, but with cooler daytime temperatures there should be more trout activity. There could be some good mayfly hatches on calm afternoons. The Hakataramea is still holding a few fish.
Southern Lakes area: If heading into the back country, fly anglers should make the most of the dry fly activity over the next few weeks before temperatures drop and the terrestrial insect life dies off. River and stream mouths are the places to target as landlocked whitebait are congregating and heading upstream. Fishing can be fast and furious, especially at dawn. Use a grey ghost or silver spinner, as there are large numbers of landlocked salmon schooling as well.
Central Otago: Most Central waterways are in good condition for fishing. Water temperatures are starting to drop in the Lindis, Manuherikia and most other Central streams; these waters should be fishing well. Cooler water temperatures often result in better spin and lure fishing on the larger dams at this time of year. The cicadas are just about finished now on the high-country lakes but trout will continue to take imitations for a week or two after the real things have disappeared.
Taieri catchment: The lower Taieri is low but there are reports of salmon being landed above Outram. The upper Taieri is fishing well, and let's not forget Lake Mahinerangi, which is high and has good numbers of trout and perch. It fishes well this time of year with all angling methods.
Southwest Otago: The Pomahaka and Waipahi are in good order for fly fishing. The lower reaches of the Clutha have been producing some good spin fishing for trout chasing smelt and adult whitebait.
Salmon should be on the move through the Clutha system. Fish and Game requires adult brown trout heads from the Clutha system below Roxburgh dam for a study on their origins. It would be greatly appreciated if any angler landing an adult brown trout could record the length and where the fish was caught, then freeze the head and contact Fish and Game for collection.
The Teviot River angling competition is on Sunday. To enter, register at the Bridge Huts from 8.30am.
Waterway Water - Level/Condition:
Kakanui River - Very low, clear
Shag River - Very low, clear
Taieri River at Canadian Flat - Medium, clear
Taieri River at Outram - Very low, clear
Pomahaka River - Low, clear
Waipahi River - Low, clear
Clutha River at Balclutha - Low, clear
Clutha River at Cardrona - Low, clear
Hawea River - High, clear
Lake Onslow - Medium, clear
Lake Dunstan - Medium, clear
Lake Hawea - High, clear
Lake Mahinerangi - High, clear
Lake Wanaka - Medium, clear
Lake Wakatipu - Medium, clear
- Mike Weddell
