Fishing News index> March 2008

Motueka River Fish in Great Condition
By Lawson Davey, Fish and Game Officer

Fish and Game have recently undertaken the annual drift dive programme on the Motueka River.  Results confirm what angler have been saying – condition of fish in the Motueka River this year is excellent.

Unfortunately water clarity and therefore visibility declined in the lower reaches to a point where we abandoned the last 3 dive sites.  However in the sections we dived good numbers of small juvenile fish were seen which is promising for future years.  Larger fish (greater than 20cm) were on par with previous years at the sites we dived, although not as high as 2003 & 2004 (see graph).  This year however fish condition was the best I have seen it in 10 years!

Some good fishing is currently available and has improved of late with rivers benefiting from freshes in the region’s rivers. There are some excellent fish out there so get out and make the most of the opportunities before the end of the season!

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