Salmon/Trout fishing lower reaches of the Clutha

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    Posted: 26 Mar 2015 at 7:59pm
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Hi All,
 
Just wondered if anyone had any nuggets of wisdom about fishing the lower reaches of the Clutha as heading to the Catlins next week.
Thanks,
 
Jay
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Southern_Jez Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 7:56am
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I havent fished there this season, but last time i fished Waikawa harbour (last day of last season) we snagged a 68.5cm sea run brown on a 50gm hex being trolled on my jigging rod ... subtlety not required Wink
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote jojo_nz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 27 Mar 2015 at 9:48am
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Lower Clutha River This very large river splits into two branches below Balclutha around a large flat island known as Inch Clutha. The Matau branch (on the west side) can be easily explored by anglers heading to and from the Catlins. The gradient is relatively low and the river contains lots of deep pools and runs which hold large numbers of brown trout and some rainbows between 0.5 to 2kg. Perch (up to 2kg) can also be found in back waters and slow moving areas. In the estuarine reaches medium and large (1.5kg -5kg) sea-run and estuary brown trout can be caught year round, but especially in spring and summer. Chinook salmon (normally around 2-6kg) may also be caught in summer and autumn months as they run upstream to spawn.

Puerua Stream This small stream contains a few fish of a reasonable size in the upper reaches but most of the fishing is done in the tidal area.

Glenomaru Stream This small stream can hold a few brown trout which are mostly fairly small with the odd medium sized fish. It can become very low in summer and fishes best early or late in the season.

Owaka River This medium sized tea stained stream contains a resident population of brown trout and some sea-runs in the lower reaches. Fly anglers can experience some mayfly hatches in the middle reaches on calm days. Worm and spin fishing is popular in the lower section. The Owaka River flows into the Catlins Lake.

Catlins Lake Good numbers of large and medium sized sea-run and estuarine brown trout reside in the Catlins Lake. This waterway is fairly large and has lots of fishing potential. Containing lots of baitfish and crabs the trout are normally in good condition and excellent eating. Often the best fishing areas are close to structure such as reefs and logs and near deep holes and drop offs. During the spring and summer months, evening and night fishing and can be very productive (especially off the Hina Hina Road on dark nights). Red Mrs Simpson lures work well in the evenings. After dark, use lures which present a defined shape against the night sky such as Black Woolly Buggers. It pays to have strong line because this lake can produce some large trout. Scout your spot in the day light to identify any snags and remember the lake is tidal so don’t get caught out. If you see a large bow wave in the dark be careful it is probably a monster sea-run or a seal!

Catlins River The upper Catlins flows through hill country pastures before entering the Catlins Forest and then running through grass flats and spilling into the Catlins Lake. Access to the upper river can be challenging because of the gorse and other vegetation. Good numbers of small and medium sized brown trout are distributed throughout the middle and upper reaches, with the odd large trout present. This river can experience good mayfly hatches, often on overcast and drizzly days or under forest cover. In the forested middle reaches fly casting can be difficult because of over hanging vegetation. This is where light spinning rods with small lures such as Veltic spinners, and bubbles and flies can be easier to use because no back cast is required. The Wairepo Creek (a tributary that enters the Upper Catlins River on the true right hand side) contains a few medium sized brown trout.

MacLennan River This small incised tannin stained stream contains a few small and medium sized brown trout and flows into the Tahakopa River just above the estuary. Often fishing is challenging because of dense bank side vegetation.

Tahakopa River The upper reaches can produce some good fly fishing on spring and summer days for those anglers keen enough to navigate the bank side vegetation which can be quite thick in places. In the upper reaches the best access method can be to walk up the middle of the stream bed so anglers should take care and wear a good pair of waders or be prepared to wade wet. The estuarine area can hold some fairly large sea-run trout at times especially when there are whitebait in the river. Bait fishing in the lower reaches sometimes produces trout and flounder.

Mokoreta River The upper reaches of the Mokoreta contain brown trout which are mostly fairly small in size. They tend to rise freely and take small spinning lures well. This small tea stained stream often gets very low in summer.

Waikawa This attractive small river flows through patches of bush and farmland before entering a large estuary. It contains a good head of small and medium sized brown trout in the upper reaches and the occasional large fish, especially in the tidal zone.

Lower Mataura River This is the second biggest river in Southland and probably one of the best brown trout factories in the world. The lower reaches are well suited to spin and bait fishing and commonly produce trout around 2kg and the occasional large sea-run fish. Anglers heading to or returning from the Catlins should make the time to explore this fishery. There is good access from a well formed road running along the east bank.

Hope this is some help Smile

For more fishing information check the Otago and Southland region links on www.fishandgame.org.nz

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