Otago Weekly Fishing Report - 26 February 2026

Late summer fishing: what's been biting

Tussock lake cicadas were bringing fish to the surface this week. Credit: Jayde Couper.

Welcome to the Otago Weekly Fishing Report.

Cicadas have been bringing fish to the surface but temperatures will be cooler this weekend, the upper Taieri has been fishing tough but rewarding for those willing to put in the effort, and a surprise rainbow trout has turned up in the tidal reaches of the Waikouaiti River. Anglers are reminded that Saturday 28 February is the last day to submit feedback on the triennial review of Otago angling regulations. And this week we say farewell and thank you to Sharon Milne, our Otago Fish & Game administration officer, after almost 26 years. The weekend weather looks promising for most of the region — read on for all the details.

Logan Burn Dam cicadas

Steve Dixon (top) and Jayde Couper recently fished for brown trout feeding on cicadas at Logan Burn Dam. Credit: Jayde Couper.

A recent trip up to Logan Burn Dam found that trout were still actively feeding on cicadas.

The trout we caught had bulging guts full of cicadas, which might explain why they were a little bit reluctant to take our fake cicadas late in the day. Despite this, we had three to the net for a few hours fishing. We had the most luck with a large Madam X rubber-legged cicada imitation.

Less than an hour-and-a half from town, Logan Burn is a great option for a weekend or even an afterwork trip. The road is pretty lumpy, so take it slow and take it easy on the four-wheel-drive track down to the lake edge. Walking from the road or heading round to the boat ramp is an easier option.

The fish stomach contents included aquatic snails and, more recently, cicadas. This weekend’s temperatures will be possibly too cold for cicada hatches at Logan Burn Dam. If fish aren’t dialled into cicadas, they’ll be feeding on something else. The dam offers evening sedge hatches, midge hatches, koura and snails, so keep your fly options open.

Upper Taieri a challenge — but rewarding

Hadlee Edmunds with a superb brown caught and released soft-baiting in the upper Taieri River. Credit: Hadlee Edmunds.

Hadlee, from Hunting & Fishing Dunedin, has been putting in the hard yards on the upper Taieri River, describing recent conditions as tough but rewarding. Fishing around the Styx earlier this week, he found the river low, weedy, and under windy, overcast skies.

“There wasn’t a lot of fish active and it was very tough going,” he said. Despite the slow fishing, perseverance paid off with a superb 7lb brown trout. “That was a good fish,” he said. “The fish condition was superb, but it’s a challenging part of the river to fish.”

Hadlee was soft-baiting with a black and gold pattern, dropping down to a light 1/20oz jighead to help avoid snagging in the heavy weed growth. Targeting clearer lanes and steering clear of the thickest weed beds made a difference.

He says the upper Taieri demands careful stalking. “They are very spooky. If you see them and they see you, they are gone.”

His advice? Don’t wait for perfect weather. “Even in terrible conditions, it’s worth persevering. You’ll get rewards if you go out fishing instead of being at home.”

The waters of the Maniototo are a fantastic and varied fishery. For more information, please select here.

Thank you, Sharon

Retiring Otago Fish & Game administration officer Sharon Milne is looking forward to spending more time fishing, golfing and enjoying her growing family.

Farewell to our administration officer Sharon Milne — after almost 26 years of warm welcomes and being the heart of Otago Fish & Game.

Sharon has decided to retire to spend more time with her ever-growing family (another grandchild recently arrived!).

As many of you know, Sharon is far more than our admin officer — she is often the smiling face every licence holder sees when they walk through the front door of the office. No matter the question, Sharon always has time to help or direct people to the right expert, even though she is an excellent angler herself with a wealth of knowledge. Sharon has been the oil that has lubricated Otago licence sales, loved by our agents, the technologically challenged alike, an angel to community groups dipping their toes into fishing with group licences, and a font of knowledge, smiles, and encouragement at our Take a Kid Fishing events.

Behind the scenes, Sharon has also ensured the office runs smoothly and safely day in and day out — no small feat — and her contribution to the organisation cannot be overstated. She will be greatly missed. The golf courses around the region, and the fish of Lake Aviemore may soon be at risk.

We wish Sharon all the very best.

Waikouaiti rainbow

A rainbow trout caught by Otago Fish & Game Councillor John Highton in the lower Waikouaiti River. Credit: John Highton.

Recently, Otago Fish and Game Councillor John Highton had an unusual catch on a smelt fly pattern in the tidal reaches of the Waikouaiti, a rainbow trout.

When he saw the bright silver fish, he initially thought he had caught a sea-run brown, but then noticed the consistent spots on the tail indicating it was a rainbow. John took the trout for the table and noticed it had nothing in its stomach but had beautiful red flesh.

In the northern hemisphere, some rainbow trout will follow the same life history as salmon, spending an extended period in the ocean before returning to freshwater to spawn. Despite efforts to get steelhead behaviour established in NZ, there are no good records of it occurring. There are, however, records of tagged rainbows moving between catchments and the odd instance of rainbows getting caught in the headwaters of rivers that otherwise do not contain rainbows. Rainbows in coastal catchments tend to do well in rivers with large headwater lakes present, which in the Otago region is only the Clutha/Mata-Au.

If you’ve caught a rainbow in a coastal Otago river or stream other than the Clutha, we love to hear about it. Please email any stories through to otago@fishandgame.or.nz

Catlins access feedback

A brown trout caught on the upper Catlins last month. Credit: Fly Fishing Mataur.

A local guide recently checked out our new access points we’ve opened along Cairn Rd on the upper Catlins River, in partnership with Southern Forests Ltd.

Here’s what he posted on his Facebook page, Fly Fishing Mataura: “Fish & Game have opened five new access points on the Catlins River. Had a look around (February 11), it's not an easy river to wade due to a rocky bottom but it holds some very nice fish.”

• Select here for the Otago access map: F&G Otago Region – Full width map | Fish & Game Maps
• Select here for more information: Fishing The Catlins - Fish & Game

Last chance to provide feedback on anglers notice

Now is your last chance to contribute to the triennial review of Otago angling regulations. The deadline to provide feedback is this Saturday, February 28.

All Otago licence holders who’ve opted to receive information from Fish & Game have already received an email notification of this review.

If you haven’t already contributed, click here to hear about the potential changes and provide feedback.

Angler etiquette

Put a sign on your dashboard to let other anglers know where you’re fishing. Available at the Otago Fish & Game office.

Summer and early autumn are busy times on Otago’s rivers, with many anglers out making the most of the season. With increased pressure comes more interaction on the water. Good etiquette ensures everyone enjoys their time on the river.

Please remember to communicate politely with other anglers and discuss fishing direction to avoid misunderstandings. Do not step in ahead of someone already fishing a stretch of water, and where possible leave a note on your vehicle stating whether you intend to fish upstream or downstream. Respect voluntary beat systems where they operate, and avoid camping in areas where it is not permitted.

Always leave gates and access points exactly as you find them to protect stock and maintain access agreements.

For more information on the Fishing Code of Conduct, please select here.

Women on the Fly Dunedin workshop

Women on the Fly NZ is hosting their first workshop in Dunedin, supported by the Otago Anglers' Association.

On March 29, they’ll be running an Introduction to Fly Fishing day designed for beginners and for women who’d like to build more confidence on the water.

It’s a welcoming, supportive day — and a lovely chance to connect with other local women who are curious about fly fishing.

• 29th March
• 10 am (morning tea included)
• 3 Young Street, St Kilda, Dunedin
• $30
• Limited to 24 participants

Register here:  https://wotfnz.short.gy/Dunedin-Intro

Your place is confirmed once the registration form is completed and payment is received.

DOC 1080 operation – Makarora Valley

Anglers, please note the Department of Conservation (DOC) has advised that an aerial 1080 predator control operation is planned in the Makarora Valley between Friday 27 February and Sunday 1 March (weather permitting).

The treatment area includes the Makarora, Young, Siberia, Wilkin and Cameron Valleys and Brewster Track. DOC says the operation is part of its National Predator Control Programme in response to a predicted beech mast and rising rat numbers.

Anglers should note DOC’s advice:

• Do not touch or eat bait.
• Baits and carcasses are deadly to dogs.
• Do not eat trout for 7 days after the operation.

The Blue Pools Track, carpark and Cameron Flat Campground will be closed during the operation. Check the DOC website or contact the DOC Wānaka Visitor Centre (03 443 7660) for updates.

Wheelchair accessible maimai project underway

Clockwise from top left: A design render of the wheelchair accessible maimai designed by W Hamilton Building Ltd. WHB director Bill Hamilton gets construction underway at the company yard. WHB directors Greg Crammond (left) and Bill Hamilton stand up the back wall framing. Celebrating the arrival of building materials are (from left) Carters driver Jimmy McConnell, Carters branch manager Ben Chamberlain, Bill Hamilton, Carters account manager Francis McBreen, and Otago Fish & Game officer Steve Dixon.

While the weekly report focuses primarily on angling, many licence holders are also hunters. Supporting accessible hunting opportunities remains a key part of Fish & Game’s role in ensuring everyone can enjoy what our region has to offer, regardless of mobility.

One example of this commitment is the development of a new wheelchair-accessible maimai, which will be installed at Inch Clutha Wildlife Management Reserve.

Work has begun on our new wheelchair accessible maimai for the Inch Clutha Wildlife Management Reserve. Carters delivered materials to the W Hamilton Building where WHB director Bill Hamilton has been on the tools building the maimai at the company's yard. Freeman Roofing Dunedin is delivering the roofing materials next week.

This project is a fantastic partnership between Otago Fish & Game, disability advocates, contractors, and sponsors, including W Hamilton Building Ltd, Carters, SouthRoads, MikeHurring Logging & Contracting, Livingwell Disability Resource Centre, Freeman Roofing Dunedin, Otago Regional Council, and more.

The maimai is due for completion over coming weeks and will be ready for action for the 2026 game bird hunting season starting on May 2.

For fishing opportunities for the mobility impaired, Otago Fish & Game staff are always happy to provide advice on suitable locations and access options. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to discuss what may work best.

On the Fly Mataura River Festival

Southland Fish & Game officer Josh Tabak helps a young angler practise her casting skills at the On the Fly Mataura River Festival last weekend. Credit: Bruce Quirey.

It was a pleasure to support Southland Fish & Game at the On the Fly Mataura River Festival in Gore at the weekend. We really enjoyed meeting people, talking about fishing, and helping them have a go at casting. The live tank of juvenile rainbow trout from our Macraes Hatchery was a crowd pleaser! These fish have been liberated into Lake Thomas as a “put-and-take” fishery.

There were impressive spin-casting skills on the grass with Fish & Game all afternoon — and congratulations to the two winners of the kids’ casting competition, who went home with new fishing rods. And it was terrific to watch the fly-casting demonstrations and tuition with the professional fishing guides.

River racing notice

Anglers are advised that the 2026 Otago Rivers Jet Boat Race will be held from Friday 20 March to Sunday 22 March across several Otago rivers.

Racing is scheduled on the Dart River, Shotover River, Kawarau River and Matukituki River, with multiple upstream and downstream legs each day. A reserve course is set for the Clutha River (Lower Clutha) in the event of flooding.

During race legs, sections of river will be cleared for safety, and anglers should expect periods of restricted access, increased boat traffic, and temporary disruptions. If you’re planning a trip that weekend, please check the event schedule in advance and consider alternative locations or fishing outside the published race times.

For more information, including detailed timings, visit the River Racing NZ website or contact the event organisers through River Racing NZ.

Bush, Balls and Breaking Barriers

Wānaka is set for an evening of raw honesty and resilience when Bush, Balls and Breaking Barriers comes to the Lake Wānaka Centre on Saturday 28 February.

MC Matt Chisholm will lead the night, with former international cricketer Lou Vincent speaking candidly about his own mental health journey. Mental Hunts founder Glen Thurston will share his experience navigating the mental health system, and mental health professional Kathryn Wright talks about pushing boundaries and breaking barriers.

Aimed at the hunting and wider rural community, the event creates a relaxed space for real conversations about mental health. Proceeds support Mental Hunts, with an auction, bar and food available on the night.

Doors open 5pm, programme 5.30–10pm. Tickets $35 via Humanitix. Click on this link.

Please note: Discussions will include mental health challenges, including suicide. Recommended 16+. 

Club updates

If your Otago club has an update or photo for inclusion in the Weekly Fishing Report, please email bquirey@fishandgame.org.nz by the Monday prior to publication on Thursday.

Taieri Anglers’ Club Lake Onslow outing

Taieri Anglers Club fished around Lake Onslow at various spots recently.

Club member Keith says 13 anglers headed to the tussock lake on a “mystery” fishing trip. A lot of fish were caught — all small — and only four were kept for the weigh-in. All methods were used — worms, flies, and lures. Conditions on the day were fine with a light breeze.

For more information on Lake Onslow click here.

Don’t forget your licence

Get your licence online or visit a local agent.

Click the link for a list of the agents in Otago where you can buy a licence.

Event calendar

Click here for upcoming fishing events throughout New Zealand. 

Lake Hāwea webcam

A screengrab of the Lake Hāwea webcam taken at the time of writing.

A real-time webcam at Lake Hāwea is provided by Snowgrass Solutions and Contact Energy and can be accessed through their website or directly via this link.

Please note conditions at the southern end of the lake (near the dam) may not always reflect those north of The Neck. Weather can change quickly, so be prepared

Lake Wānaka live webcam

A screengrab of the Lake Wānaka webcam taken at the time of writing.

Want to know conditions at Lake Wānaka? Check this live webcam from the Wānaka Watersports Facility.

Bookmark the ORC Environmental Data Portal for real-time flows, temperature, and lake levels.

Here’s the weekend outlook:

Dunedin

Friday and Saturday are the best fishing opportunities before rain on Sunday. Tomorrow is mainly fine, with evening cloud. Southwesterlies dying out late afternoon. Saturday looks fine with westerlies easing later in the day. Sunday showers, more persistent in the morning. Southwesterlies, strong in the morning.

The Taieri River at Outram was at 8.3 cumecs this morning. The water temperature was 16 ^oC.

Click here for live MetService weather updates.

Wānaka

It’s a great weekend for fishing around Wānaka. The lakes should be fishing well. Clear skies for good sight fishing on rivers tomorrow and Saturday. Northwesterlies developing on Saturday afternoon. Sunday partly cloudy, with the chance of a shower. Southerlies in the afternoon.

Click here for live MetService weather updates.

Alexandra

Get amongst Central’s rivers, reservoirs and lakes tomorrow and Saturday. Fine with southerlies. Sunday showers, mainly in the morning.

Click here for live MetService weather updates.

Clutha Regional Forecast

Tomorrow partly cloudy with a few coastal showers, clearing to fine. Southwesterlies dying out early evening. Saturday partly cloudy with westerlies. Sunday showers, easing for a time in the morning with southwesterlies.

The Pomahaka River at Burkes Ford was at 5.3 cumecs — low and fishy!

The lower Clutha River at Balclutha was at 395 cumecs. Good levels for fishing.

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.