Fishing Reports index> January 2007

Wanaka Fishing Report

Since my last report there has been a mixture of some good and bad conditions for fishing. Wind at times made it very difficult for the fly fisherman and boat trolling.
Late December saw snow on the mountains and with rain and the snow melt some rivers were running high and discloured. Some of these clear very quickly and this provided excellent fishing with some very good conditioned fish being caught.
Dry fly fishing with humpy patterns in particular being productive. When windy and dry fly fishing was difficult those fishermen prepared to adapt to the conditions had good success with streamers. Where there are plenty of rainbow trout fishing these across and down the river can be great fun. These strike very hard putting up some great fights and many anglers playing these for the first time underestimate their strength and try to land too quickly which has ended up with many being broken off or lost.
When rivers were unable to be fished the lake edges fished with a high floating dry fly was also a good option. Manuka beetles were also very successful. We are very fortunate to have this option available when rivers are out and I have spotted and landed some large browns in great condition with an average weight between 3 and 4lb. These cruise the lake edges and with the clear waters offer a great alternative to the rivers.
As January has progressed the weather has been hot and windy, however those who were prepared to adapt on difficult days and fish with a nymph or streamer found some good fishing.
Some heavy rain late last week once again saw many rivers running high and discoloured.
Spin fishermen have been meeting with some success. An option fishing is to use a bubble and fly. This is particularly successful on the Clutha River just before dark as fish are sometimes rising beyond the cast of a fly fisherman. It can be more fun than the traditional spin fishing method.
Boat trolling has been productive when conditions are suitable. Wind and rough conditions on the lakes has at times made it difficult.
Conditions in February and March are usually more settled and offer excellent dry fly fishing and hopefully this is again the normal this season. We will let you know successful these months are in the next report.

Tight lines and more soon.

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