Yes, if you only have a few hours to spare then spinning for trout in the local rivers, or head down to the river mouths and spin for Kahawai is a productive way to pass the time. If you are very lucky, you might fluke a Salmon. The Sounds fish best in the evenings, or dawn. A few Kingies are hook each year at Karaka Point just around from Picton, and Snapper also. Most of the good Kingie Points are boat access only. Must say I have not discovered a ideal land based Kingie spot in the sounds, at least not one which can be accessed from the shore. Snapper can also be caught almost anywhere in the sounds. The small wharf at the grove which is at the head of Queen Charlotte Sounds is surprisingly productive. Plenty of good points in the Mahua, and kenepuru Sounds. If you have half a day or longer to spare, then I suspect its possible at low tide to climb onto the rocks on the Western side of Okiwi Bay. Should have Kingie, Snapper and trevally potential there. Fishing from the shore into French pass is another option, but a much longer drive. If you have the time the Pass is certainly worth the drive for the scenery alone. I would private message you a few more spots which are worth trying.
I have done very little Salmon fishing, but even the good anglers can struggle to catch them. A mate of mine who is a good Salmon angler said its around 40 hours between fish. The easiest Salmon River mouth to fish I beleive is the Hurunui in North Canterbury, I never been there so do not know how easy access is but the Salmon are quite close to shore so do not need massive casts. I see that you have also found fishingmag.co.nz , on these forums it might be worth asking in the Salmon forum itself.
There is one more option, and probably the easiest way to catch a salmon, that is to fish the Canals in central Otago. Every so often the farms there have Salmon escape into the canals and the fishing for them is quite good. Can also catch obese trout which hide beneath the farms eating the wasted food. But that is not the same as catching a true wild Salmon.
|