Fishing Reports index> December 2006

Trout’n Around - the Queenstown Area Report

Chris Dore

Well its xmas already and boy what a topsy turvey summer we’ve had thus far.

On the up – side of it all, our smaller tributary streams are carrying a lot more water than normal at this time of year, and having sustained reasonable flows to date, most still hold a good head of post spawning trout. In normal spring time conditions, these fish hang around up these streams, feeding to regain condition lost throughout the rigors of the winter months. As water levels drop towards summertime levels, these fish drop back into their parent river, leaving only the resident population behind. Normally this downstream migration occurs in October and November, but with the aforementioned higher flows, many of these fish will still be holding to date.

Small streams are a delight to fish, and require a more subtle approach that the larger waters of our region. 4 and 5 wt rods in conjunction with long, fine tippet are often required to present our fly gently at close quarters, but in windy conditions such as our spring past, I do not hesitate to go up a line weight.

Mayflies and caddis are the staple in a lot of our southern hill country waters, the fine gravels and rocky streambed providing optimum habitat for these creatures. Combined with an abundance of shallow, ripply water and appropriate water temperatures you have a dry fly fishos dream.

Tiny Dads Favourites and CDC Emerger patterns are the norm, and by now the manuka beetle will have put in an appearance around our up country waters. A traditional Cochy bondhu or humphy pattern will imitate these wee beasties to a tee. A little tip; try clipping the underside of the hackle on these patterns to create a flush floating dry fly, better imitating the surface imprint of the natural.

As temperatures rise our trout will begin looking up in earnest, and blowfly humpies and Blair’s Terrestrials are the way to go. As mid day approaches and the sun crosses high in the sky trout will leave the calmer, more exposed waters of the pools and move into the faster water in between. This fast stuff provides cooler temperatures for these summertime trout, and offers a more oxygenated flow in which to hold.
Look for the best water before prospecting it carefully with your big dry. Knee to thigh deep runs, flowing over large rocks sporting good algae growth will be the places to hit, but do not discount the shallower, slack water edges of the runs themselves…… these often prove to be the perfect places to find a big ‘ol brown sitting out of the full force of the flow, intercepting stunned morsels as they drift by.

As well as the faster water, undercut banks become a favourite lie of the larger, wily fish. I like to stalk along the outside edges of such pools, chucking a large dry ahead of me, and scanning the edges for a big ‘un. The main current in most pools will flow around these outside edges, scouring deep undercuts beneath which fish will sit. Tread quietly and avoid heavy footfalls. One thump may see a fish darting off downstream!

Finally, Innovative fly tier Stu Tripney, and his inspiration, wife Mel are the proud new owners of the Brown Trout Fly and Tackle on the main highway at Athol, south of Queenstown. As is Stus way, he has rebranded the place as ‘Stus Fly Shop’ and has jam packed it with all the goodies we anglers just love to ogle over. Sage rods, Simms waders and a solid selection of all those last minute items we always seem to need, not to mention Stus innovative, personalised flies. Call in and say hi; Stu is a real character, is always willing to chat, and maybe offer a little inside info on the local conditions. For all you out - of - towners, Stu also provides a mail order service, and can send out any item you require. Give him a call on 03 248 8890 to talk turkey, or visit www.stusflyshop.com for more info.
Tight loops and have a great xmas.

Chris Dore
FFF Certified Casting Instructor
www.troutsafaris.co.nz

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