Otago Reel Life April 2018

Brown trout spawning runs underway

April has been a cold month with plenty of wind and some snow on the tops. Not ideal fishing conditions but the cooler temperatures suit brown trout, which have started their annual spawning migrations.

Lowland fisheries close on April 30 to protect brown trout spawning, and while fishing across the region has tapered off, there are still plenty of opportunities still available. (please refer to your regulation guide) Here.

The lower Clutha River fishes well this time of the year as do some of the dams and reservoirs in the Maniototo.

Trolling on Lake Dunstan has been productive, and this should continue through the winter months.

Rainbow trout are in excellent condition and should be targeted at the head of the Clutha arm.

The Makarora and Matukituki deltas have been fishing well with good numbers of browns and rainbows caught.

Rainbows will become more prominent as they prepare for spawning in the next few months.

Sea-run salmon were rather absent this year but there have been a few caught at the mouth of the Leith, along with some rather large browns.

A late run is still possible.

Both the Hunter and Makarora rivers fish well in May and on a clear calm day can be very rewarding.

Inflowing tributaries remain open until May 31.

Salmon samples

Salmon heads are still being sought for research especially from Lake Wanaka.

Please contact Fish & Game officers - Paul van Klink pvanklink@fishandgame.org.nz for pickups around the Wanaka/Central area, or Helen Trotter htrotter@fishandgame.org.nz for lower Clutha and Dunedin/coastal.

Heads should be quickly frozen complete with details of their weight and length if possible, and where they were caught.

Anglers Notice review

A staff report on the Anglers Notice was held over at the council’s meeting in April with more information requested so expect decisions on the fishing regulations in late June.

Cliff Halford, Otago Fish & Game Officer.

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