South Canterbury Report – October 2007

Experienced anglers have come to expect less than perfect weather on October 1, Opening Day of the new season. I can recall many openings that failed to live up to expectation. The opening of 2007 came into this category with grey skies, a cold downstream wind and rapidly falling barometric pressure combining to make conditions difficult for most.

There were bright spots. One Christchurch angler was photographed on the Opihi River proudly displaying his 11th fish of the day thus far – a very fine effort at the best of times and no doubt a reflection of that angler’s skills.

I’m sure that the fish were there but on my chosen stream, a feeder of the Opihi, very few were to be seen. A touch of ‘flu and the unpleasant conditions soon had me scuttling back home to a spot in front of the fire and a good book.

 I ventured out again, just days later to a totally different scene. The first shining cuckoo of the season was the first positive omen. The second was a complete absence of other anglers. The sun shone brightly and the river positively sparkled. Not surprisingly I had a beautiful resident fish, which touched the scales at a tad under 2.3kg, in the net within about ten minutes. This one went straight back but the next, a bright silvery hen of 1.5kg, in excellent condition went home with me. I quickly hooked and lost two more in the same run and still feeling the effects of the ‘bot’ I decided to call it a morning, well pleased with my modest efforts.

More recent forays, including to Lake Opuha have also proved successful. Unfortunately Murphy’s Law has prevailed to a large degree and many anglers have been frustrated by ‘nor-west winds, especially at weekends it seems. While South Canterbury has not experienced the massive floods that many rivers north of Christchurch have conditions have been quite frustrating. Spare a thought for those who like to fish the rivers around the Lewis Pass. I can only advise exercising patience as it will come right. Besides, the first salmon should be nosing into the river-mouths right about now.

Overall, the fishing is harder than it was at the same time last season but this is mainly due to lower water and more wind. I’m finding that success is reliant on the use of nymphs somewhat smaller than I would normally use at this time. Long leaders and fine tippets are also necessary but there is no point in trying to cast with them in a howling ‘nor-west. Tight lines!

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

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