Fishing Reportsindex> December 2006

Fishing in Fiordland

Mike Molineux

Well it hasn't been exactly a great month!
Snow is still sitting on the Mountain tops, the Lakes have been the highest for the longest period of time that I can remember. It has been the wettest windiest spring with 180mls of rain for November. But our tourists seem to be enjoying seeing snow on our Mountain tops!

Spinning / Trolling
But it hasn't been all doom and gloom, Spinning and trolling have been the main order of the day, and these conditions have proved very successful.

With the higher Lake Levels the trout population have been moving about and there have been some very good sized trout around in excess of 6lbs. Providing a lot of entertainment in reeling them in.

Fly Fishing
With beaches covered and rivers swollen it has been a disatrous month for fly fishing, the excitement of the season starting and all gear ready to go proved a little frustrating, so have taken the opportunity to have a good look around and when lake / river levels drop it should be a cracking season, fish numbers look good, with good sightings of reasonable groups of fish in a variety of locations and as mentioned above sizes are looking good.

Important to remember
When fishing in Fiordland make sure you have back country passes and when going into the Park a permit is required from Fish and Game, all gear must be cleaned at approved cleaning stations before and after each location.

If in doubt to the regulations surrounding Fiordland or a first time fisherman in Fiordland it is wise to check with Fish & Game as to regulations and cleaning stations etc.

With consideration and care by everyone we will at least be able contain didymo.

I would like to wish everyone an enjoyable Christmas with good weather, good fishing, good food and great company.

Regards
Mike Molineux
Adventure Manapouri
(formerly Fish Fiordland)

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