Otago Fishing News: Dec 11

Christmas angling prospects
Most waterways are at low or normal levels, clear and in great condition for fishing.

North Otago
Consistent rainfall has left the often drought-prone coastal rivers in great condition, but many backcountry rivers are not carrying as many fish as normal. This is possibly due to flooding in early spring.

Some estuaries are still holding large numbers of whitebait (the whitebait season has finished). This has helped trout put on condition and some surprisingly large fish have been caught by spin anglers.

Southern Lakes
We have received unexpected reports of high mouse numbers in the Caples, Routeburn and Makarora systems. Trout may take advantage of this protein source and by late summer there could be some big fish in these areas.

Central Otago
With consistently high lake levels over spring, Poolburn, Manorburn and Onslow are in great condition for the upcoming summer season.

Anglers should try brown beetle and blow fly imitations, and then move to cicada patterns as summer progresses. Damselfly nymphs fished over shallow weed beds are worth trying in all still waters. Worm fishing with a bubble over weed beds can also be very productive.

Taieri Catchment
The Taieri River has dropped and cleared. Some large fish have been reported from the oxbows in the upper river. In the lower river porina grubs continue to work well with some large trout and flounders caught. The small dams in the Maniototo are all in great order

Southwest Otago
The lower Clutha has finally cleared up and has been fishing very well. One spin angler reported catching seven trout up to 5lb only five minutes’ drive from Balclutha.
Backwaters and deep holes are holding good numbers of smelt and grey-ghost type lures have been working well. After a very wet spring, the Waipahi and Pomahaka have also cleared up and the Pomahaka is fishing well around Kelso.

Holiday season tips
As summer progresses and trout become more wary, spin anglers should use light line and realistic lures such as Rapalas and soft plastics. It is an exciting time of the year for fly anglers with trout more likely to rise to big dry flies.

The Clutha arm of Lake Dunstan is in great condition and should fish well. Harling with green woolly buggers and retrieving snail patterns slowly are two of the most successful methods.

Probably the most relaxing and underutilised fishing method in the Southern Lakes is worm fishing off the river mouths. When the trout go down deep during the day this can be a great way to catch them.

(Where permitted, the humble worm can be lethal at river and stream mouths and can allow you to relax with a refreshing drink in the sun)

Southern Lakes holidaymakers often find wind a problem. It can be easier to find sheltered water on some of the smaller lakes such as Butchers Dam, Diamond Lake and Lake Johnson.

The middle reaches of the Taieri River are generally under-fished and they are a great place to explore on a hot sunny day.

Spin fishing with articulated trout, mepps and Rapala lures can be successful throughout the day on the Upper Clutha River.

For tips on trolling, and anglers access points throughout Otago visit the fishing brochures on the Otago region website: