Fishing News >November 2007

OTAGO’S LAKES PRODUCING FINE FISH

Looking for large well conditioned fish, then look no further, just head to Otago’s biggest lakes and take advantage of the fishing that is presently capturing the delights of anglers, of all ages. With rivers and lakes clear, low and dropping fishing conditions have been ideal and the fish catching well. Assuming settled weather conditions prevail the good fishing should continue into the summer and hopefully some of the 2-3kg fish will still be available to the holiday anglers who will move into the central and lakes areas in the coming weeks.

Lake Hawea is very low at present and recent inspections have seen a lot of fish cruising shoreline margins. In particular, the weedy areas north of the Timaru and Craigburn River mouths are holding fish and like wise at the Neck. Hamills killer and Green Woolly Bugger patterns retrieved on slow to medium sinking lines are recommended.

Lake Dunstan has fished well all year and a recent fishing competition on the lake run by Rotary of Cromwell produced some very fine fish. The biggest catch of the day was a well conditioned 3.526kg rainbow caught by local junior angler Emma Dennison of Bannockburn. Good conditioned browns, salmon and perch were also weighed in showing that the Dunstan fishery is in wonderful shape.

Tegan Buchanan (8) of Cromwell with her 2.79 Kg rainbow she recently caught at Lake Dunstan

Of the smaller waters, anglers at Manorburn on the opening day had good success. There was some criticism about fish size but plenty were being caught which goes well for the rest of the season. Poolburn has had a slow start to the season but warmer conditions and a few cicadas will make a difference.

With the holiday season just around the corner anglers are reminded to carry licences and to respect the space of other anglers. Trollers are required to be a minimum distance of 100 metres from land based anglers and if contemplating fishing the Backcountry Rivers be aware of other users. Rangers will be on the prowl so play by the rules, enjoy your fishing and don’t forget to disinfect all equipment when moving between waterways to prevent the spread of didymo.

Back to Reel Life