Trout with PHDs – Anglers set sights on Otago waters for opening day

Patearoa farmer and keen fly angler Simon Norwick says the trout in his local river have “PHDs in fishermen”.

But that won’t stop anglers from all over Otago heading out to test their skills against wily trout this Wednesday, October 1, for the opening of the new fishing season.

Mr Norwick and his partner Janine Smith own and manage a 280-hectare sheep and beef farm on the Maniototo.

Pictured: Farmers, anglers and conservationists … Janine Smith and Simon Norwick own and manage a 280-hectare sheep and beef farm on the Maniototo, including this pond enhanced with fencing and native planting. Photo: Bruce Quirey, Otago Fish & Game

Like many landowners across the region, they contribute to the health of fisheries through involvement in community catchment groups and by supporting anglers’ access to the rivers, lakes and reservoirs that make Otago such a special place to fish.

For Mr Norwick, fly fishing is a lifelong passion that began as an 8-year-old in England. These days, he is happiest sight-fishing for challenging trout in the upper Taieri River and Styx Basin.

“The fish up there can be phenomenal – but they’ve got PHDs in fishermen,” he says.

“If you catch a difficult fish, that’s a real bonus. If it’s an 8- or 9-pounder, then even better.

“Hooking a big fish on a tiny fly you’ve tied yourself is a real buzz. That first electric shock up the arm when you deceive a fish is why I keep coming back.”

Mr Norwick says the October season opener brings plenty of people to the area, especially to the put-and-take ponds in the Maniototo.

“There are endless fishing opportunities here.”

While Mr Norwick keeps the occasional trout from local reservoirs, he practises careful catch-and-release on rivers.

Left: A classic Styx Basin brown caught by Simon Norwick - note the fish is being kept in the water for a quick photo and careful release.

“Keep fish wet, give them time to recover if you want to take a photo, and I personally use barbless hooks,” he says.

Ms Smith brings another perspective through her role as project executive for Tiaki Maniototo, a community catchment group working on riparian planting, fencing, and habitat restoration. Otago Fish & Game councillor John Highton is on the Tiaki Maniototo governance team and Fish & Game ecologist Jayde Couper is part of the technical advisory group.

Under Ms Smith’s watch, landowners have planted more than 120,000 native plants and restored habitat for birds and fish.
“You can never underestimate the value of collaboration,” she says.

“Farmers, anglers – I think we all want the same outcome – improved water quality and access, but we want respect from each other as well.”

Positive changes, such as tui and bellbirds returning to Patearoa, and improving water quality in parts of the Taieri, showed what was possible when people worked together, Ms Smith said.

The couple have also partnered directly with Otago Fish & Game on habitat restoration. A grant from the Fish & Game’s Habitat Enhancement Fund helped them fence off a pond on their property where they have planted 1500 native shrubs, improving freshwater habitat and creating long-term benefits for fish and wildlife.

An occasional angler, Ms Smith says she fishes when there is “a very good chance” of her catching something.

“I’m appreciative of the beautiful places it takes you. That aspect is probably above the fishing for me. Sometimes I’m just there for time out as well. Fishing is part of that.”

Her advice to anglers this season is to respect access and leave gates as you find them.

“If you see a farmer, say gidday and thank them for the access,” Ms Smith says.

Otago Fish & Game officer Bruce Quirey said the couple’s story reflected the important links between anglers and landowners.

“Farmers are crucial partners – they provide access across the region, they’re working with catchment groups to improve water quality, and they share a passion for the outdoors.

“We encourage anglers this season to respect those relationships, and to make the most of the great opportunities Otago’s fisheries offer.”