South Canterbury Report – September 2007

South Canterbury has enjoyed a dream winter and spring. Winter arrived late and was typified by stinging frosts and clear, sunny days. The hoar frost in the Mckenzie country was spectacular during July. Settled conditions have prevailed right into September with very little wind and daytime temperatures around 20 degrees on a number of occasions.

As a result rivers are very stable. The Opihi has only experienced one substantial flood in months when it copped the edge of the storm that brought severe flooding to the Waimate district. Since then all rivers in the region, including the big, snowfed ones have run at low levels.

Ironically many seasoned anglers are hoping for a bit of a fresh prior to Opening day on October 1. Judging by the long term weather forecast they just might get it. If rivers remain low the fishing is likely to prove challenging for many, especially for spin fishers as the low, clear water will favour those fishing small nymphs I’m picking. The old favourites like hare and copper and pheasant tail will normally work brilliantly early in the season.

An increase in water levels will mean that larger, heavier nymphs and spinning gear should work well. Many spin fishers are now into the soft plastic lures as they have such a realistic action. They are best fished as slowly as its possible to do so without getting hung up on the bottom.

October will also see the lower rivers open again, hopefully enabling a harvest of sleek sea-run browns. Anglers who do best target them at the river mouths at change of light and right into the dark using feathered lures or soft, silicon whitebait imitations. Spin fishers also do well at times. I’ve enjoyed success with tiny metal, fish-shaped lures in a range of colours with best results from those coloured blue over chrome which I picked up in a Christchurch tackle store some years ago. The good old black and gold toby goes well too as does the articulated trout, especially in backwaters.

Rivers could not be in better condition and Lake Opuha is reportedly in great shape.

Hot tip. If the major rivers are not affected by the anticipated spring thaw check out the middle and lower reaches of the Rangitata or Waitaki. Many post spawners will be dropping back and fattening up. The big plus is that you will probably have very little company and plenty of water to yourself.
Remember: Check, clean, dry and do everything you can to avoid any further spread of didymo. Many anglers are now confining their felt-soled wading boots to the rubbish bin.

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

Back to Reel Life