Fishing Reports index >December 2007

Trout chasin’ with Chris Dore

Holiday fishing

So with the holiday season upon us, just where should we go?

Weekend anglers and holiday makers will be out in force, and some of the more accessible rivers and streams are likely to become busy.

So how about visiting a few of our world class lakes?

Apart from the stunning scenery our  still waters offer, many provide a fishery often superior than their surrounding rivers. Trout are often of a greater average size, and our still waters will remain fishable in the majority of conditions.

From the expansive waters of lake Wakatipu, to the picturesque confines of lake Fergus, Southland is host to several highly productive still waters, and the angler should approach them all in similar fashion.

You must have a food supply to have trout, and so weed beds, overhanging bush, silty shallows and stream mouths instantly appeal as hot spots.

Unlike trout in a river environment, where the current brings the food to the trout, in still waters there is no flow, and so the trout must go in search of nourishment.

This lends itself well to my favourite style of fly fishing - ambushing cruising trout.
 
For this, a good pair of Polaroid’s are essential – you must spot your prey or the games up.

Once a cruising fish has been located, the aim is to get the fly well in front of the trout and have is sitting static as the fish approaches.

Often this is all that is required to invite a take, particularly with a dry fly, although movement may be required to induce the nymph take. In such case, a simple twitch is all that is required.
 
My favourite flies for summertime Stillwater include the Clayton Nicholls Cicada, Para Adams, and the fly of all flies, the Blowfly Humphy.

Subsurface you cannot go wrong with the ubiquitous Pheasant tail nymph, Black and peacock, Midge pupae and for searching drop-offs and over weed beds, an olive damsel fly nymph is sure hard to beat.

And why not try a dry fly / nymph combo? Just hang your nymph off a trace tied to the bend of your dry! It will double your chances and soon reveal whether the fish are more interested in feeding below, or up on top.

Take your time wandering along the lake shore and stop often, You will be amazed at how much more you will notice whilst waiting in a stationary position. You’re on holiday, the sun is out, birds are singing – why rush things? 

Chris Dore
FFF Certified Fly Casting Instructor.
Queenstown, NZ
027 693 3027

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

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