Fishing News index>January 2008

Nelson Marlborough Staff check out Marlborough fish numbers

Fish and Game field staff have been out checking fishing licenceholders and fish numbers in a variety of rivers throughout Marlborough over the past week.  Manager Neil Deans said, “We are particularly pleased to see the fish numbers in the backcountry parts of south Marlborough; the headwaters of the Clarence, Acheron and Wairau Rivers.  All these rivers had good numbers of takeable sized fish in good condition, as well as plenty of younger fish to replenish fish stocks.  Some fish were real monsters in great condition.  We also saw and/or caught a number of fish in several of the high country lakes, including Lake Tennyson, Bowscale Tarn and Fish Lake.” 

Staff also drift dived in the middle and lower Wairau and lower Rai and Pelorus Rivers, which were all subject to low flows at the time.  “The rivers were running low and clear,” said Mr Deans, “with the Pelorus particularly and unusually warm, which would have made fishing difficult.  Recent rains will have restored flows and improved fishing conditions.  Pools and holding water had large numbers of fish, with one pool having at least 19 large fish present.  When fishing for these, it is important to ensure that any nymphs or lures get low in the water to where the largely brown trout are found to be successful.  Several large salmon were also seen in the middle river which would be available to anglers in the right holding water.  In addition, salmon have been running in the Clarence River in recent days which has proven exciting for the locals.”

Mr Deans also noted, “We were pleased to note that the rivers themselves were in good condition, with healthy populations of invertebrates to provide food for trout.  The only didymo we saw was in the middle Clarence River, but even this was scarce and would have little effect on the fish or angling.  The Motueka River has also had little evidence of didymo this season, which has meant excellent angling for those early risers or evening anglers who avoid the heat of the day.  Don’t forget to check, clean and dry after your fishing, however, to reduce the likelihood of further spread of didymo.  Regrettably it has now been confirmed in the upper Cobb River, deep in the heart of Kahurangi National Park.” 

Fish and Game has been sampling juvenile trout, particularly in the Wairau River catchment, for an analysis of trout growth and to assess, if possible, the spawning sites of adult trout throughout the system by examining chemical signatures in the ear bones of fish.  “For this we need anglers to provide us with the heads of any fish they catch, together with their contact details, the length, weight, sex and species of the fish and where and when it was caught,” Mr Deans said.  “We can then extract the ear bones which leave a chemical trace of the waters inhabited by that fish throughout its life laid down like tree rings in this bone.  This will help us to manage and protect the most important spawning tributaries.  Please deliver any fresh or frozen fish heads with this information to the Fish and Game offices in Blenheim or Richmond.” 

back to Reel Life