Fishing Reports index> September 2006

Nelson Lakes Fishing Report

Just under a month to go and most areas will re open for river fishing. The passionate angler will have the fly box full of old and new patterns ready to go on opening day but will invariably find the first pick will be a trusted early season fly to give assurance of maximising the fist opportunity.

The winter months have brought a mix of weather. Early winter rains gave mild flood conditions in some of the main watersheds and the Buller was no exception. The high, fast water flow helped cleanse the river without re arranging the structure or shifting the pools and runs. Heavy snow in the mountains this winter signal high water levels with spring run off when the warmer rain hits. All good signs for a good start to the season. Walking the local rivers has helped ascertain the condition and number of fish around.

There certainly seems to be plenty of well conditioned browns holding in the usual early season lies and with water flows at a manageable level at present, there will be many chances at eager trout. Much has been talked about a potential mouse year for the 2006/2007 season. More rodents than usual have been seen scampering around the local roads at night and the cat has had no shortage of winter rodent supplies to supplement her diet. These are all reasonable indications of extra food for the browns but we need to be a little realistic about how the signs will convert to extra large fish and it is a little early to tell if there will be rodents of "plague" proportions.

One of the many rewarding aspects of fly fishing is the camaraderie with fellow anglers and guides. As I write this, I am fortunate enough to be in Tasmania with a bunch of fishing guides who often do not get to fish much in our season and look to other areas to hone their skills and keep the passion for what they do, alive and kicking. Fly fishing has brought us together to explore new horizons, share stories that may become folk lore and give us the opportunity to learn more about a sport that we can never find all the answers to but will continually test ourselves against a most discerning and worthy opponent.

Enjoy the season

Tight lines
Brent Hyde

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