Mackenzie Country Fishing Report

Will Spry

Summer has sprung at long last, with plenty of sunshine, good fishing and dry fly action. The backcountry rivers have really fired up over the past month and cicadas and grasshoppers are dominating the fishing. Plenty of healthy fish are reliably hitting the surface, often with great vigour. Best flies to use include stimulators and Blue Humpys. Fish that are keeping down in the water respond well to a Copper John nymph fished below the dry fly as an indicator.

Rivers are all generally in good condition, with the main exceptions being the Tekapo, which has become a algae infested mess (with a recent confirmation of Didymo in the lowest stretches to add to this beautiful river’s woes). The Waitaki River has been running very high all season and the Didymo, whilst not affecting fly fishers so much, is very unsightly and problematic. The fishing however, is continuing well on this magnificent river, with fish responding well to the flies as listed above.

The main lakes of the region are all nearly full, with no spills as yet, but any heavy rain events in the headwaters might cause them to spill, possibly giving the maligned Tekapo River a bit of a breather. Speaking of lakes, the ponds around Lake Ruataniwha are reportedly fishing very well, with large trout from around the salmon pens moving in to roam these ponds in search of food other than pellets! Keep an eye out for them when visiting the area.

River levels are all getting a bit lower at this time of year and warmer waters will be find fish resting and feeding in the shade. Run your flies and lures along the grassy banks for best results, or work the shallower riffles, where there is cooler waters mixing with the warmer water for more comfortable conditions for the fish. Deeper pools may also hold good fish, so work through these areas carefully.

Will Spry is an independent fishing guide; his reports are not officially representative of Fish & Game NZ