Central South Island Weekly fishing report - 10 October 2024

Recreational Fishing Nets Big Gains for Region

Hydro Canal Fishery Contributes $13.6 Million to Mackenzie Basin Economy.

New research shows that recreational freshwater fishing contributes millions of dollars to the Mackenzie Basin and that local businesses and communities land the gains.

Central South Island Fish & Game Council is pleased to share the results of a groundbreaking economic impact assessment conducted in partnership with the University of Otago and Meridian Energy.

The assessment highlights the significant economic contribution of the Te Manahuna Mackenzie Basin's hydro canal fishery to the local economy, with anglers contributing an estimated $13.6 million during the 2022-23 fishing season alone.

Key Findings:

• Anglers’ spending was highest in accommodation, comprising approximately 28% of total spending, followed closely by food and beverages at 27.4%.
• The analysis also noted that local anglers spent less than visitors from other regions and international visitors tended to spend the most per trip.

In light of the findings and other recent research that assessed the values, preferences and activities of canal anglers Fish & Game is currently reviewing its canal fishery management strategy and is exploring community-engaged project options to further support the hydro canal fishery.

To read the full article click here.

To read the research report click here.

Fish & Game New Zealand Council Chief Executive Corina Jordan appeared on TVNZ Seven Sharp on Wednesday 9^th October. She spoke with the hosts about the new hydro canal fishery research, to view this interview click here, and fast forward to 5:53 mins into the show to watch.

Pictured above: Robert Hopkins with a 20.5lb rainbow trout from the canals.

First Big Weekend of the 2024/25 Fishing Season

This coming weekend is essentially the first weekend of the season for rivers.

Since last weekend’s high-water levels made most CSI rivers unfishable. This timely flush out will help to enhance early-season fishing conditions for bait, fly and spin anglers.

Streams and tributaries are likely to be flowing clearer and provide some excellent sight-fishing opportunities – best suited to fly fishing anglers that ‘hunt’ for trout.

Bigger rivers such as the Rangitata are still a bit high and discoloured due to more rain on Tuesday. A couple fishing options for rivers still holding a faint discolouration, is to spin with a vibrant coloured lure or bait fish using worms.

The Ōpihi River peaked at over 500 m³/s (cumecs) flow at the Saleyards Bridge last Friday afternoon and Eastern hill country particularly around the Waitaki received up to 100ml of rainfall according to the ECan river flows and rainfall data.

Early-season fishing provides fantastic opportunity for anglers. With cool water, good flow and fish feeding up after winter. The trout haven't had much pressure yet, so they’re more likely to bite a well-presented fly, lure or bait.

The best fishing of the whole season could certainly be now! So be sure to purchase your 2024/2025 fishing licence online through the Fish & Game NZ website, here, or from your local licence agent in-store.

Also, check the CSI Sports Fishing Regulations 2024/25, here to stay informed and make the most of this prime time for early-season catches.

Trout with Wing Mirrors?

6lb brown trout caught and released by Paul.

Paul kicked off his season with this beautiful 6lb brown trout, the first to hit the net from his favourite local stream.

According to Paul, “These trout must have calendars, as they weren’t so spooky when scouting in September, but now it seems like they’ve grown eyes in the back of their heads or attached wing mirrors to their pectoral fins”.  “Tight lines to you all for the new season and keep on doing the great job that you're all doing”. – Paul

We look forward to more reports from Paul and other anglers throughout the season. Keep them coming! 

Amazing Angler Archie at Lake Opuha

Archie Shearer, age 7, with one of six trout he caught and released.

Opening day at Lake Opuha was a memorable one, especially for young Archie Shearer, age 7, who proudly reeled in a beautiful healthy brown trout all by himself.

While fishing by boat, Archie along with the help of his grandparents successfully caught six trout for the day, before releasing them all.  Every trout was caught using a black-and-silver striped cobra lure, proving to be the perfect choice for the day.

Archie certainly had a day full of excitement and responsible fishing, learning from his grandparents. He also got to meet Fish & Game Officers Jase and Rhys for a routine license check on the lake.

How to Safely Release a Caught Fish

Use these careful catch-and-release techniques:

• Cool your hands and landing net by wetting them before touching the fish.
• Keep the fish in the water while removing the hook.
• Do not squeeze the fish and never touch the gills.
• Photograph the fish in or over the water. Do this quicky as the fish should be out of the water for no more than 5 seconds.
• Revive the fish facing into the current until it regains swimming strength.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Timaru Boys High Students embrace learning at the McKinnon’s Creek Salmon Hatchery.

Timaru Boys High School students visit McKinnon’s Creek Hatchery.

Weather Outlook

The current YR.no forecast for the weekend shows clear skies with light northwest breezes from Friday evening through to Saturday evening across majority of the CSI region.  A southwest change is forecast for late on Saturday bringing showers and moderate breezes for Sunday.

So, Friday evening and Saturday morning is looking to be the pick from what we can see but don’t take our word for it, always check a reliable weather forecast you trust before heading out for a cast.

To look at what is happening in real time you can check out the Outdoor Access livestream.

We want your angler reports! Whether it's a memorable trip, helpful techniques, a successful lure, or even a favourite recipe, we’d love to feature your contributions. A tidy, respectful landscape (horizontal) photo makes for a professional presentation.

Every story helps inspire and engage the CSI angler community. Please email Jase at jvanbeers@fishandgame.org.nz anything you feel will be of interest.