Well April already! The absence of any rain over the past 5 weeks has the rivers very clear and flows at summer levels. We are certainly not as dry as other parts of the Island and water levels are not a major factor. The bright, clear, windless days are a factor as is the fact that the fish are getting to a highly educated state. It is only the occasional day that you find the fish with their defences distracted. This happened on the Young River last week with the first 3 fish spooking on the first cast. The next couple were locked up in quiet eddies and not feeding but we at least had fun casting the fly box at them. Their body language was clear after the first cast but ‘you never know’. Then something pulled the switch and the next 5 fish swallowed nymphs with relish. The fact that we ‘saw’ 12 fish was a surprise but catching 5 was a shock. I even got fooled into thinking it may work again, so 10 days later I was back, net result, 2 fish seen and no fish fooled. You could have been forgiven for thinking that the fish had all been caught. Indeed, they may have been a day or 2 earlier. This ‘where and why’ question is the one thing that keeps us going back for more. There are a hundred different reasons why some days fish better than others. I know the answer to about 5 and as frustrating as it can get, I don’t really want to know the other 95 reasons! I know just enough to stick to the fishing and sooner rather than later you will find a fish that is actively feeding and hopefully able to be caught. We are a peculiar bunch us fisherman; we seem to want it all to happen every time we fish. If we can see the fish and can’t catch them - it’s to calm and bright. If the cloud is in we can’t see them - we know how hard it is when we can see them so what’s it going to be like when we can’t? Then we like a little breeze just to ruffle the water surface and get the terrestrial on the water BUT, it has to be upstream and not to much of it! The list goes on. I had a lovely lady out with her husband last month that enjoyed fly-fishing but didn’t like to get interrupted by a fish taking her fly! I find I am enjoying the company of those that can see the whole picture and not get all tied in knots about catching fish. So enjoy April, whether or not you have your relaxation interrupted by trout. The rivers flowing into the lakes are all low and clear and the fish very spooky. These fish will also know that summer is drawing to a close and will be making the most of the feeding options. You would be well advised to fish 12 –15ft leaders with 3-4lb tippet with 16-18 nymphs and dries. If you just want the noise of the water and scenery then fish blind with a 9ft leaders and 12-14 prince nymphs. There will be browns beginning to move on their spawning runs and this will greatly increase the numbers of fish in the lower sections of the rivers. The Hunter River is now down past the Highburn Fan as Lake Hawea continues to drop, there will be good fishing there until the end of May, especially for the person that is prepared to walk. The Makarora, Wilkin and Young Rivers are low and very clear and some good fish are about, but be carefully as they are wise to the angler. The Matukituki River is carrying some colour due to continued snowmelt but cooling temperatures will clear the water for the few fish that are there. The Clutha River is the best bet as it is gin clear and down to the levels that I feel make it more approachable to the shore based angler. There are still copy’s of the Upper Clutha Angling Clubs access book available from Wanaka Sports so get one and find out the contacts of the farmers, leave the gates shut and dogs at home. Further down the Clutha, the Lindis River is de-watered from SH8 to Ardgour Bridge with irrigation abstraction. Further upstream the fish are under the willows in the shade and looking for cooler water. Over the Lindis pass the Ahuriri River is still worth a look. The Nevis River will close on the 30th of April, as will the Fraser and Manuherikea Rivers. They, and their inhabitants will appreciate the closed season. The high dams; Poolburn, Manorburn and Onslow will fish well to the end of the season and perhaps are the best option to catch fish. Just watch the weather up there as it can be summer in the morning and winter 3 hours later. Lakes Wanaka, Hawea and Dunstan are all holding good numbers of fish and spotting from the edges will find good fish in close early and again once the heat of the day abates. It is tough on the water at the moment but it will improve as the temperatures cool. I’m putting the rod down at the end of the week as there is a noise coming from a Stag or two ‘in them there hills’. It’s hunting time for me. If you’re not into hunting then head to the Matuara River as it will really fire up in April. GERALD ************************************************ FISHING & HUNTING SERVICES "Tight Lines & Keep your Powder Dry" ________________________________

 

From Gerald & Sue Telford Fishing and Hunting Services

Report type: Freshwater

Report date: 27 March 01

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