Otago Weekly Fishing Report - 2 November 2023

Another variable forecast this weekend may dampen some anglers’ plans as they aim to head out and target Otago high country rivers. Rain is forecast to fall across the region this Saturday, which may cause some of the rivers to rise and colour, however don’t be too disheartened as these rivers are known to drop and clear quickly.

Anglers that managed to get out on opening day (Wednesday November 1) were greeted with excellent river and weather conditions. Fish & Game Rangers conducting compliance checks throughout the region reported almost all the newly opened rivers were flowing clear and at a fishable level. This made for some excellent early season sight fishing, with anglers reporting some excellent catches. Some fish are still in an aggressive spawning mode and were smashing streamers, so if your size 14 nymph is not even getting a look consider changing to a larger option.

There were some areas of congestion on some rivers, with groups of anglers wanting to fish the same beats. Please show respect and consideration towards fellow anglers while sharing the river to ensure positive fishing experience for everyone. 

Upper Clutha River running clear on Wednesday November 1. Credit: Mason Court.

Connor from Southern Wild Wānaka reports anglers experiencing good catches along the Clutha River.

Connor has been fishing the Dean Bank section and has had success using small mayfly imitations. Evening hatches have also started to occur with trout sighted rising in the late evening. Expect this to become more frequent as we approach summer and the temperature increases.

Connor also reports that anglers with two handed spey rods have had success swinging soft hackled streamers.

Below the Deans Bank section anglers have been having success in the Clutha using traffic light colour Toby’s and black and gold soft baits fished through the riffles.

Manorburn Reservoir