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Graeme Marshall Fishing Report Jan 2012
After battling unrelenting westerly gales whilst guiding a US couple in Southland recently it is great to get back to relatively windless South Canterbury.
Sure, we experience plenty of wind here too at times, especially in the Mackenzie Country, but I think Southland really takes the prize.
There are ways and means of coping with strong winds though. On bigger waters fly fishers can adopt a downstream approach. With a bit of practise a back-handed cast, which has the effect of keeping the fly away from the body, can be remarkably effective.
The wind ruffling the water surface is actually an ally, helping to hide the angler from the fish. I find that a large terrestrial pattern with a nymph tied off it can be very effective fished this way. Constant upstream mending is necessary to slow down the flies. I concentrate on the ‘rough and tumble’ water where takes are often quite explosive.
If fly fishing is just too hard though change over to a light spinning outfit. Veltic, Mepps and Rapala lures worked through the ‘joggly’ water will often produce a hit. Wherever possible cast upstream as these lures seem to work best when brought back downstream at speed.
Despite quite regular rainfall, especially pre-Christmas, many rivers in the region are starting to show the effects of water abstraction. The Tengawai is of particular concern as it is flowing at a very low level. It would be interesting to know just where the water is going as the flow reduction is quite dramatic.
By contrast the Opihi is looking fine and fishing well throughout with some good daytime hatches providing some welcome dry fly action. I have observed ‘pods’ of bright, silvery fish at various points on the river which I suspect are sea runs that have moved from the food rich lower reaches.
Reports from the lower Waitaki are encouraging with very good numbers of trout present. Some evenings have produced outstanding fly fishing with the fish gorging on the prolific caddis hatches.
Salmon fishing has been sporadic with little evidence of any major ‘run’ to date. A few fish are being taken at the Rangitata, Orari and Opihi. Phil de Joux of the Salmon Anglers Association reports that around 40 adult salmon have returned to the McKinnons creek hatchery to date with the major influx expected during February and March. A fresh in the Rangitata should get things going.
A lone salmon angler at the Orari mouth.
In my introduction I mentioned fishing guiding. Anglers with access to a suitable device, e.g. Kindle or iPad, might find my first eBook of interest. ‘Grip ‘N Grin’ – The Memoirs of a NZ Trout Fishing Guide, is available now on Amazon.com.
Anglers with an interest in the Opihi River might like to put a ring around February 28 in their diaries. The Opihi Catchment Environment Committee is holding a public meeting at the Phar Lap Racecourse at 7.30. For further information give Ray Brokenshire a call. Ph 03 6158078.
Graeme Marshall is an independent fishing guide; his reports are not officially representative of Fish & Game NZ
