Otago Reel Life January 2018

A season to remember

The good days and heat just keep on coming and look like continuing for some time.

Fishing has been good, especially on Lake Hawea with reports of good catches and fish in prime condition.

Above Right: Harry Walker – Leach aged 10 with a nice Lake Hawea rainbow.

To quote Harry’s grandfather: "This would be the best we've had in the 50 years I've been fishing on the lake. It was great to be able to take the grandsons out fishing and for Harry to catch one almost as big as Granddads’ ! (we will have one another on about this for many years to come). Keep up the good work."

Lake Dunstan continues to fish well with good catches reported from all areas.

Cicadas have turned up early on high country reservoirs. Fish & Game officer Steve Dixon had a great day's fishing on Loganburn recently.

The lower Clutha is in great order so if you get the chance, have a look around for a new spot while conditions allow.

Inland rivers and streams are being affected by the summer heat and low flows. Fish will have to go into survival mode if low flow conditions prevail.

Salmon heads for research

Salmon heads are still being sought for research especially from Lake Wanaka. Please contact Fish & Game Officers:

Paul van Klink p.vanklink@fish-game.org.nz for pickups around the Wanaka/Central area

Helen Trotter h.trotter@fish-game.org.nz for lower Clutha and Dunedin/ coastal

Backcountry fishing reminder

Otago has eight back country fisheries - river users are reminded they must be properly licenced with a backcountry licence in addition to a whole season fishing licence.

Rangers have detected some non-compliance this summer reminding anglers to read the regulation guide if travelling to unfamiliar waters.

The Greenstone Controlled Fishery Period will open for booking on January 27 and will run until the end of March.

Anglers Notice Review

Staff are hoping for some positive feedback on the fishing regulation review for the region. Approximately 6000 whole season licenceholders have been emailed and there has been media coverage to prompt further responses, and provide public meeting details.

This is the time to have your say on the regulations for the region. Proposed changes and the submission page can be found at: www.fishandgame.org.nz/otago

Any changes will come into affect for the start of the 2018/19 fishing season that begins on October 1, 2018.

Left: Gae Chant and fishing mate Jazz from Cromwell with a barbecue brownie from Falls Dam.

Cliff Halford, Otago Fish & Game Council

Back to Reel Life