Fishing Reports index > April 2008

Wanaka Fishing Report

From Richard Grimmett

Fishing over the last 2 months has been excellent with very good weather, wind at times made fly fishing difficult but those willing to adapt met with some good results.

During March the rivers flowing into the lakes fished well with wullf and humpy pattern dry flies when low and clear. It was also successful using a nymph as a dropper.

When downstream winds made dry fly fishing impossible anglers who were adaptable and prepared to fish with streamers had some very productive fishing. For the beginning fly fisherman this type of fishing was a good introduction. The rainbows hit these very hard and with many overseas fishermen underestimating their size and strength many were broken off.

Dry fly fishing the edges of both lakes Wanaka and Hawea was exciting and some very good trout mainly browns averaging 3-4lb caught in good condition. Lake Hawea was quite low and easily accessed. Lake Wanaka was reasonably high at times making it difficult to fish some areas.

The Clutha River was productive for both spin and fly fishermen.

April weather has been great with some very productive fishing.

Dry fly fishing on the rivers and streams flowing into the lakes is not as rewarding now, fishing these with a streamer is the best option. The mouths of these proving the best just now with large numbers of trout being caught. Fishing a streamer or whitebait pattern on a sinking line or leader is often productive.

Spin fishing at these river mouths is a good option as has been boat trolling.

The lake edges have still been providing some good dry fly fishing but this method is coming to an end for the season.

The Clutha River is low and clear with good evening rises.

The Hawea River has been spilling plenty of water lately making fishing difficult.

A good option at this time is the top of Lake Dunstan  with plenty of trout waiting to be caught.

That’s all from me this month.

Tight Lines

Richard

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

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