Fishing News index> April 2007

Southland Fish and Game Fishing News April 06

Autumn frosts and colder days are well in force as the season nears its end. However as usual the Mataura is fishing well with good afternoon mayfly hatches occurring. The season extends to the end of May in the river below Gore, except for the Opening Weekend of the duck shooting season.

In contrast to this extension the Fiordland Rivers covered by the didymo control regulations close at the end of April. Normally they are open till the end of May. Anglers are still required to obtain a Fiordland Rivers Licence and a clear gear certificate to fish in the tributaries of the lakes that are in Fiordland National Park. The Eglinton and Upukerora are excluded but others such as the Worsley, Glaisnock and Clinton do need a special permit. These can be obtained from the Southland Fish and Game website at:

http://www.fishandgame.org.nz/SITE_Default/SITE_your_region/SITE_Southland/Southland.asp#fcl

Didymo still hasn’t been found in these rivers although it does occur on some lake shore sites in both lakes Te Anau and Manapouri. Because of this it is most important to have clean gear and to be careful about getting to these rivers as well.

The Oreti River Conservation Order hearing is set to reconvene in late April. A meeting held between Environment Southland and Fish and Game has resolved some issues making the granting of an order slightly easier. Environment Southland is still opposed to the order but will not be contesting the case that the river does have an outstanding trout fishery. Fish and Game made strong case for the river’s outstanding trout fishery, probably the most accessible trophy brown trout fishery in the country. It is also highly regarded internationally for its big trout, clear water, and sight fishing opportunities.

Fish and Game has accepted that the new rules in the water plan relating to water quality and quantity will provide the protection the river needs, provided an Order is granted which recognises the outstanding natural features. Fish and Game is still seeking a no damming provision and absolute protection of water quality on the river in its headwaters.

Maurice Rodway

Manager.