Fishing Reports index >November 2007

Mackenzie Country Fishing Report

Will Spry

A low rainfall winter and spring has kept the high country rivers in good
conditions for the early part of the season and allowed us good fishing on
the back country rivers from opening day.  A late spawning run from the
rainbows means that there have been large numbers of them well up the rivers
through the early part of the season as well.  Combining all of this with
some good hatches of sedge and mayflies has really kicked off the season
well.

Quality fish in the 4 to 5kg bracket have been a feature early on, with well
conditioned browns and somewhat skinnier late spawning rainbows.  A well
weighted nymph during the quieter periods of the day has produced good
results, but the fun has started during the afternoons, with surface
activity really taking off and some good dry fly fishing being enjoyed.

Successful patterns have included the Copper John nymph, black bead head
nymphs and the faithful Hare and Copper.  On the dry fly front, a well
greased chocolate brown mayfly emerger has worked well most days.

On the lakes, Benmore has produced some great fishing on the Haldon Arm for
trollers, with the Ahuriri Arm working a treat for fly fishermen.  Try
working a small pheasant tail nymph over the weedbeds here, for some
spectacular results.  The main storage lakes, Ohau, Pukaki and Tekapo are
all very low and will need some rain to help them produce best results.

I suspect that the low country rivers will start to suffer soon, through
irrigation use depleting their volumes, especially with a very dry spring
following the low rainfall winter.  Take advantage of the good conditions in
the lead-up to Christmas to enjoy the best these waters offer.  Water
temperatures after a recent hot spell, have been well up, so finding either
shaded water, deeper pools or pocket water is the key here.

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

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