South Canterbury Report

Graeme Marshall

The run of salmon into the Rangaitata continues to be the hot news for the region. For some years now South Canterbury anglers have been bemoaning the lack of their favourite fish. But this season is arguably the best for around 10 years with good numbers of fish being taken on a daily basis, especially in the surf. On a recent Saturday more than 20 were caught in the morning alone. The fish are mainly large, well-conditioned specimens and full of fight, as the writer discovered with a fish of about 8kg taken up-river on Boxing Day. Many fish in the 9kg plus category have been taken, with an unsubstantiated report of one of around 14kg, surely the largest for some seasons.

By contrast, and despite the mouth looking perfect, the Opihi has been very slow, with just a handful of fish being caught to date. A loyal band of ‘regulars’ turns up there every day, ever optimistic that it will turn on soon.

Trout fishers have found the interminable ‘clag’ difficult for sight fishing. Constant overcast conditions for weeks, combined with strong afternoon sea breezes and cool conditions have not been conducive to prolific hatches. However, patient anglers are finding plenty to enthuse over in the lowland streams this summer. Upstream nymphing using #14 and #16 tungsten beadheads and a highly visible indicator is proving highly successful, though the writer is finding that the action varies considerably from day to day at present. Some sunshine would really get things going. The fish are in outstanding condition, reflecting the wealth of food available.

Lake Opuha has been producing well, both for shore-based and boat anglers. Recent high levels had fish cruising the shallow edges for worms and other terrestrials. Cooler than normal water has been a boon for trolling as the fish are not disappearing into the deeper water so readily. The average Opuha brown is of modest proportions, with most being in the 1.0 – 1.5kg but they fight well and are excellent eating.

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