Will Spry Fishing Report for Reel Life October 2018
- 29/10/2018
Mackenzie Country Report
October has been a great month in the central South Island high country. We've enjoyed plenty of sunshine, very warm weather and plenty of fishing activity around the place. Opening day was spent on the Waitaki River where five of us all got amongst some really nice browns and rainbows, all showing good condition and a willingness to eat our flies. The river was very low for a Monday, so some of the better runs were not available, however, targeting the best water saw us rewarded with dry, nymph and streamer fishing.
The lakes have fished well recently, with great numbers of fish moving around the river mouths and being quite content to attack a fly when presented to them. Although many of the most active fish on a recent trip to Lake Benmore were around the 1kg size, there were plenty of them and if the larger fish had been allowed to get near the fly, I'm sure they would have attacked just as ferociously. A good midge hatch provided some excellent fishing for a couple of hours.
With the opening of the Upper Ohau River above Lake Ruataniwha this season, it has provided anglers with opportunities to catch fish on a river which traditionally holds very little these days. Reports on the fishing are mixed, with some reports of few catches and others reporting fish up to 18lb being brought to the bank. It is a tough river to fish at times, with access difficult in places, however, working a few key areas carefully will bring rewards for those who persist. I was fortunate enough to hook up a couple of nice fish early in the season, with one taking me under a rock very quickly and the other coming to the net after a short fight.
Mayfly activity has been productive in the afternoons, with some fish starting to "look up" for a feed on the surface. Target the shallower riffles and runs, especially where a drop-off forms, to find the best fish. A nymph or emerger may be your best option early in the season, as fish are still getting used to the flies on the surface.
There's plenty of good options for opening day, with all rivers at the time of writing in good shape, although, like most places we could start to do with a bit of rain! The bigger hydro lakes are emptying as they tend to do at the end of winter, however the snow melt has been high with the warmer weather coming through. As the waters warm into spring, expect more fly activity on the water and make sure you are fishing legally, by starting your fishing on the 3rd of November only.
Tight lines,
Will Spry