Otago Weekly Fishing Report - 12 December 2024

While warm weather and bright skies make spotting trout easier, they also present challenges for catching them.

In summer, trout are most active during the cooler parts of the day — early morning and late evening — retreating to deeper or shaded areas during midday heat.

Bright sunlight not only increases their wariness but also enhances their ability to detect irregularities like shadows, leaders, or even the angler’s presence.

Toxic algae warning

Toxic algae has been identified at several sites on the Manuherekia River.

The Otago Regional Council has confirmed the presence of toxic algae at several sites along the Manuherikia River, including Galloway, Ophir, Omakau, as well as Butchers Dam.

Key precautions:

• Be aware of potential risks, especially when visiting with dogs, and avoid contact with algae or water in affected areas.
• With warm weather on the horizon, expect an increase in naturally occurring toxic algae.

Angler tips for fishing in affected waterways:

• Consume fish from affected waterways in moderation (no more than one meal per week).
• Avoid water contact while fishing, and wash fish thoroughly in clean water before consumption.
• Gut fish as soon as possible and avoid consuming the liver and kidneys, where toxins may accumulate.

Stay informed on toxic algae hotspots and identification at www.orc.govt.nz/toxicalgae.

Low flow success

Charlie with a lovely brown trout, caught on an unweighted size 14 pheasant tail nymph. Credit: Sam Fisher.

Sam and Charlie, from Hunting & Fishing Queenstown, recently enjoyed great success fishing the middle stretches of the Manuherikia River, landing brown trout up to 5.5lb.

Their go-to methods included size 14 unweighted pheasant tail nymphs, with trout also rising to small parachute Adams and blowfly/humpy patterns.

Large terrestrial insects have been seen flying around, so expect the fish to tune into these prey more often as summer progresses.

Sam also noted that flows were getting low in some stretches, with deeper water mostly located above Omakau.

Don’t get caught out this summer

Boat? Check. Fishing rod and tackle? Check. Chilly bin and ice? Check. Fishing licence? Whoops!

Every season, one of the most common offences detected is fishing without a valid licence. Often, it’s a case of someone tagging along with a fully licensed friend for a day on the water. Unfortunately, this can result in the rod being seized and an infringement notice being issued.

Remember, there’s a range of licences available, from 24-hour day licences to full-season options. Before heading out, take a moment to ensure everyone in your group is covered. It’ll save you — and your gear — a lot of trouble.

Also, remember it is an offence to not carry your licence on you when fishing, so make sure to pack it with your fishing gear.

Careful with catch and release

Angus Borrell keeping a stunning rainbow trout wet in a small central Otago stream. Credit: Mason Court.

Catch and release is becoming increasingly popular across our fisheries, but how you handle fish can significantly impact their recovery and survival.

Here are five quick tips to ensure you’re giving released fish the best chance:

1. Wet your hands and net: Cool and wet your hands and landing net before touching the fish to minimise damage to its protective slime layer.
2. Keep the fish in water: Whenever possible, remove the hook while the fish remains in the water.
3. Handle gently: Avoid squeezing the fish and never touch its gills.
4. Quick photos: If you want a photo, do it quickly—keep the fish out of the water for no more than 5 seconds and photograph it over or in the water.
5. Revive before release: Hold the fish facing into the current until it regains enough strength to swim away strongly.

If a fish is bleeding from the gills and cannot recover, utilise it as part of your bag limit, provided it’s within legal regulations.

ReWild December photo competition

December entries are now open for the Snap’n’Share photo competition, where you can compete for your share of a $2,000 prize pool, courtesy of Kilwell Sports.

To enter, simply take a photo related to sports fishing in New Zealand using your camera or phone and upload it. The winning photo will be featured on the 2025/2026 Fishing Licence. Check out other entries and submit your best shot at the link below. Be sure to read the full terms and conditions to ensure your photo meets the competition rules. Photo Competition Entry.

Clyde Dam live webcam

A screengrab of the Clyde Dam webcam taken at the time of writing.

Want to know conditions at Clyde Dam? Check this live webcam sponsored by Contact Energy updated every 15 minutes.

Lake Wānaka live webcam

Want to know conditions at Lake Wānaka? Check this live webcam from the Wānaka water sports facility.

Here’s the weekend outlook:

Dunedin

This weekend, Dunedin is expected to experience mild and variable weather. Saturday will see mostly cloudy skies with occasional rain showers, particularly in the afternoon and evening. Sunday should bring drier conditions with scattered clouds and some sun, though cool temperatures will persist, ranging between 10°C to 15°C.

The Taieri River at Outram was flowing at 4 cumecs. The water temperature was 18 degrees C.

Click here for live weather updates.

Wānaka

Like most of Otago, variable weather conditions are forecast for Wānaka this weekend. Saturday will likely have scattered showers and potential thunderstorms, with highs around 20°C and light winds. By Sunday, the skies clear slightly, with early morning sprinkles giving way to overcast conditions and a high of 21°C. The weather could challenge fishing with periods of rain and cloud cover but might encourage fish activity during the calmer intervals.

Click here for live weather updates.

Alexandra

Alexandra is the pick of the region this weekend with mostly dry and pleasant weather forecast. Saturday will be partly cloudy with light winds, making it an ideal day for outdoor activities. Sunday brings similar conditions, with clear skies and slightly warmer temperatures, peaking around 25°C.

Click here for live weather updates.

Clutha Regional Forecast

The forecast for the Lower Clutha area this weekend includes cloudy and rainy conditions on Saturday with light winds, making fishing potentially challenging due to the rain. However, Sunday is expected to bring drier weather and partial clearing, with temperatures around 18°C to 20°C. The improved conditions on Sunday, with cooler water and increased flows in smaller streams and rivers, should provide better fishing opportunities following the rain.

The Pomahaka River was flowing at 5.2 cumecs.

The lower Clutha River at Balclutha was flowing at 808 cumecs.

Click here for live weather updates.

For more ORC water monitoring and alerts information click here.

Grab your licence online and let the angling adventures begin.

Got any Otago fishing news?

Send your fishing news and photos (with anglers’ names) to otago@fishandgame.org.nz for consideration in the weekly report.

Tight lines, 

Otago Fish & Game