Fishing Reports index> January 2008

Fishing Report Friday January 25, 2008

Salmon fishing has continued to be productive over the last week, although river and weather conditions have caused a few hiccups. 

Over the weekend good numbers of salmon were caught throughout the length of the Rakaia.  Rivermouth fishing continues to be most productive on the north side where deeper water appears to be attracting the salmon.  Some fish are also being caught half way along the lagoon by anglers fishing from boats and the shore.  The best fishing in the Rakaia over the weekend was in the middle reaches where anglers managed to catch up with the salmon which ran through the rivermouth over Christmas.

The Rangitata Mouth has slowed a little with sea conditions being a bit rough and dirty.  There have been no more big days at the Rangi since our last report but there were about 10 salmon caught in the north side surf on Saturday.  Upriver anglers continue to do well in the Rangitata. 

The Opihi River is producing the odd excellent day when sea conditions allow.  Although there may only be 5 to 10 fish caught, there are so few anglers present that on the good days the chances of getting a fish are pretty good. 

Salmon fishing at the Waimakariri is slowly picking up with 5-10 fish being caught at the mouth most days the river is clear.  Both north and south sides are producing fish.  This river does not normally fire up until mid February so anglers remain hopeful of an excellent season.

Most of the braided rivers came down in flood on Tuesday which put the fishing on hold, but are clearing fast and should be in good shape by the weekend.  Most anglers were grateful for the flood as the rivers were starting to get a bit too clear and the runs of salmon at the rivermouths were starting to wane. 

Anglers fishing the Waimakariri should take note that a number of locked gates have been installed in the new Waimakariri River Park, in an attempt to curb the dumping of cars and rubbish.  Legitimate park users can obtain keys to the gates from Customer Services at Environment Canterbury, after paying a refundable $30 deposit. 

Ross Millichamp
Fish & Game

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