Otago weekly fishing report - 26 September 2024

New season approaches

As the new fishing season kicks off on Tuesday, October 1st, anglers across Otago are gearing up for an exciting start. Most of the region’s lowland rivers and reservoirs will open.

Showers are expected across much of Otago, but the lack of wind should make conditions manageable for those heading out on opening day.

For those looking to get a head start, this weekend promises excellent weather—perfect for fine-tuning techniques and checking gear.

There are plenty of opportunities to wet a line before Tuesday, with year-round fishing available on waters such as the Clutha River, lower Taieri, and the large lakes.

Other waterways, open all year include two local Dunedin waters - Sullivans Dam and Tomahawk Lagoon. Both have recently been stocked with some extra-large fish over 10lbs (4.5kgs).

It's worth noting that many of the central lake tributaries won’t open until November 1, so anglers should double-check their destination. For full details on waterway openings, be sure to consult the Otago 2024-25 Sports Fishing Regulations. 

If you haven’t got your new season's licence yet, head into your local licence agent or you can purchase it online here.

Regulation change - Blakelys Dam

The only regulation change for the Otago Region this upcoming season involves the opening date of Blakelys Dam, which has been moved from November 1 to October 1.

This change is made possible due to landowner permission, allowing for increased angling opportunities earlier in the season. Thanks to the Winmill family for allowing public access to this excellent fishery.

For more information on fishing Blakelys Dam and other waters of the Maniototo click here.

Varying lake levels 

Bexley from Hunting & Fishing Central Otago with a brown trout caught on a white streamer at the top of Lake Dunstan, while the lake was above its average level. Credit: Rebecca Hilton.

As always, it’s a good idea to check lake levels before heading out for a day of fishing, as water levels can greatly influence your success.

Low lake levels, for instance, can benefit shore anglers by exposing areas of the lake that are typically inaccessible, while also concentrating fish at river mouths as they prepare for spawning. Conversely, high lake levels often flood surrounding areas, allowing fish to push into new waters and take advantage of additional feeding grounds.

At the time of writing, Lakes Wānaka and Wakatipu are currently above their median levels, which may provide ideal conditions for those targeting recently flooded shorelines. On the other hand, Lake Hāwea is sitting 1.4 meters below its average level, which could offer different opportunities for anglers looking to fish closer to river mouths or drop-offs.

Anglers should exercise caution when fishing lakes with water levels that differ significantly from usual. Low water levels may expose sharp rocks, submerged logs, or steep drop-offs that are normally covered, posing a risk to wading anglers or boats.

On the other hand, high water levels can flood areas that are typically dry, making shorelines slippery and unstable, and potentially hiding underwater obstacles.

Lake levels can easily be checked using the Otago Regional Council Environmental data portal found here.

The Lake Hāwea boat ramp and floating pontoon almost completely exposed by low lake levels. Credit: Mason Court.

Take A Kid Fishing

Blue skies and low winds greeted many families at the "Take A Kid Fishing" event’s held at the Southern Reservoir over the weekend. Credit: Jayde Couper.

The first weekend of the annual Otago Fish & Game Take A Kid Fishing Event was held last weekend at the Southern Reservoir, attracting over 300 children from Dunedin. Families enjoyed the fresh air and sunshine as kids got a taste for fishing at this free event.

The Southern Reservoir had been stocked with 300 rainbow trout from the OceanaGold Macraes Hatchery prior to the event and will receive another 300 fish before this weekend’s event.

The reservoir is closed to the public for the month of September to facilitate these four events, providing children with the highest chance of success.

It will reopen on Tuesday, October 1, making it an ideal spot for family fishing during the school holidays.

To watch a video on how to soft bait the Southern Reservoir click here.

Lower reaches

Hadlee from Dunedin Hunting & Fishing with a stunning brown trout, caught on a small white soft bait. Credit: Hadlee Edmunds.

The lower reaches of coastal rivers are a great place to get fired up for the fishing season as trout chase whitebait at this time of year.

Many coastal waterways, like the Waikouaiti, Taieri, Tokomairiro, Akatore and the Clutha/Mata-au, are all within an hour's drive from Dunedin and other towns. Choose light-coloured lures, soft baits and fly patterns – often with a hot spot of colour – to mimic baitfish and trigger explosive hits.

Expect the lower Clutha/ Mata-Au to be carrying some colour due to high flows from the Kawarau River and other tributaries.

The Kawarau River in high flow and heavily discoloured as it flows into Lake Dunstan. Credit: Mason Court.

Across the border - Southland

To improve the angling experience on the Waikaia River, Southland Fish & Game have introduced a voluntary beat system for the upcoming season.

This beat system aims to spread anglers out, reduce conflict and address landowner frustrations.

The beat maps and more info can be found here.

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.

Dunedin

Clear skies and westerly wind are the predominant feature of the weather forecast for Dunedin this weekend. The lack of rain should assist in allowing the Taieri River to continue to drop from its levels of high flows. At the time of writing this report the Taieri River at Outram was flowing at 52.7 cumecs. The water temperature was 9.4 degrees C.

Click here for live weather updates.

Wānaka

A favourable fishing forecast for Wānaka this weekend with light winds and clear skies, perfect for trolling out on the lake or stalking cruising trout along the shore. Overcast conditions on Saturday may clear by afternoon, staying fine through Sunday and Monday. However, a road snowfall warning is in place for Friday evening, so motorists should exercise caution.

Click here for live weather updates.

Alexandra

Like most of the Otago region the forecast points to it being a stunning weekend around Alexandra, with light winds and clear skies forecast. There are low air temperatures forecast so ensure you dress warm if heading out early.

Click here for live weather updates.

Clutha Regional Forecast

The Lower Clutha region is expecting early morning showers accompanied by fresh westerly winds, which will ease by the evening. As the day progresses, cloud cover is forecast to clear on Saturday, giving way to fine weather.

The Pomahaka River was flowing at 44 cumecs.

The lower Clutha River at Balclutha was flowing at 983 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.