Fishing Reports index > November 2007

Wanaka Fishing Report

From Richard Grimmett

It is some time since my last report in October and there has been some interesting fishing.
November is the beginning of the season for most here in the Upper Clutha with the rivers flowing into the lakes opening. The first couple of weeks were not so good with snow melting making these colored and full. From the middle of the month the weather was great and the fishing excellent. There was the occasional bad day but very little rain

As the month went by and with the hot weather fishing was superb. On a calm day dry fly fishing to rising trout on the rivers and streams very productive. When conditions were not great and windy streamers were successful. Rainbows were plentiful and I have seen some excellent browns caught.

Cruising trout on the lake edges were also rising to a dry and great sport. Even on a windy day this was a good option.

November and the beginning of December has seen some very hot dry weather and Fly fishing great.

The last 2 days have been very warm but in the mountains some heavy rain which has raised river levels again.

Lake Hawea is rising but still low and Wanaka is at an average level for this time.
From reports I have received from boat fishermen there has been some good catches..
Spin fishing have also been having good luck with small salmon being plentiful.
With hot dry weather forecast once again it is a chance for me to predict what we may expect for the rest of the season.

December, January, February.
Settled weather. Rivers tend to be lower with excellent dry fly fishing. Sight fishing the lake edges  is productive with a dry fly.

March.
Many fishermen prefer March, the weather is not too hot. The conditions are still ideal for dry fly fishing.

April.
Temperatures are cooler. Dry fly fishing is not as rewarding. Wet fly fishing is excellent with well conditioned trout.

May.
Dry fly fishing finished. Still some good lure and nymph fishing.
November with great weather has produced some excellent fly fishing on both rivers and lakes. Lets hope this continues.

Tight Lines.

Richard

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

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