Fishing Reports index > January 2008

Wanaka Fishing Report

From Richard Grimmett

My apologies for this being a brief report. I have been very busy with some excellent fishing.
The weather has been very hot and except for some days with rain in the mountains conditions have been great. Fortunately the rivers flowing into the lakes clear quickly and are not unable to be fished for long. When conditions have been suitable I have seen some excellent dry fly fishing with humpy patterns once again being productive. When windy a streamer has been working well with some excellent conditioned fish being caught. The rainbows in particular always hit these hard and put up a great fight and for the first time it is easy to underestimate their strength and end up with them broken off or lost.

The lake edges have been fishing very well with a high floating dry fly and we are lucky to have such a good option. The water is very clear and spotting cruising trout and landing good size mainly browns makes for an excellent days fishing. This type of fishing is underestimated and even on a windy day it is possible to find a bay with shelter and have some very productive fishing. For the beginning fly fisherman this is a great way to learn the art and have success.
The Clutha River has been fishing well early morning and at night for the fly fisherman with some good rises.

Spin fishing has also been successful in this river.

If the conditions continue to be as good as they have over the last month we are going to have a great season.

Tight Lines and more in my next report.

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

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