Fishing News index>December 2007

Fish over the Holidays

After a wet October, conditions have rapidly changed with all of the Nelson/Marlborough Regions rivers running very low for this time of the year. During the past week there has been some rainfall, however as yet there hasn’t been enough to get us out of the drought and water restrictions we are facing.  Predictions are for a continued dry spell in December/January - will be great for those on holiday, but not so good for river flows or if you’re a trout!

As river flows are likely to drop over the summer and water temperatures will increase, the most productive times to fish will be during the cooler parts of the day.  Trout will also move around in the river to find cooler water or move into faster water where the oxygen content is higher.  Although low flows are likely to be detrimental to the fishing in some of the smaller streams, in larger rivers low flows can create opportunities, particularly in being able to access and fish areas which are usually impossible to get to. 

Some excellent fish have been landed this season, although some of the smaller rivers have been affected by winter floods and/or low flows.  Reports of double figured fish being caught in the Wairau have been received by Fish and Game and these sea run fish should be moving their way up river.  Traditionally they usually show up in the middle and upper river after Xmas, along with the occasional salmon.

Brown beetles have been around for several weeks now and green beetles should also be hatching this month so make sure you have a few wet and dry imitations in your fly box.  Circada’s and vine hoppers should also start to make an appearance soon, both of which can produce excellent results.

Anglers are reminded to make sure they do their bit this summer to stop the spread of didymo.  Check, Clean, Dry/ Freeze your gear before moving between all waterways.  Fish and Game also encourage anglers to record their fishing efforts, forms can be downloaded from the Nelson/Marlborough Fish and Game website (look under Fishing - News) www.fishandgame.org.nz  Nelson/Marlborough Fish and Game also want the heads of any trout caught and kept from any river in the region, although fish from the Wairau are of particular interest.  Record details including length & weight, sex, date and location (GPS co-ordinates or Grid Refs) and hand them into Fish and Game, or alternatively freeze the head and give your Fish and Game Office a call to arrange for it to be picked up.  Lastly anglers are reminded to carry their licence with them when fishing as staff and Honorary Rangers will be out and about over the summer.

Happy fishing
Lawson Davey
Fish & Game Officer
Nelson/Marlborough Region

 

back to Reel Life