Otago weekly fishing report - 3 October 2024

Rain on the Parade

Well, opening day has finally arrived, but fishing conditions in Otago are quite variable as true spring weather settles in.

Kids fishing events another success!

Success on the Southern Reservoir for these young anglers. Credit: Ian Hadland.

A mix of experience, success, and weather marked the annual "Take a Kid Fishing" event at Southern Reservoir over the past two weekends.

With over 600 children participating across four days, the results were certainly varied: some kids landed impressive catches, while others enjoyed a sausage from the Lions Club BBQ.

Despite all the lines cast, plenty of fish remain in the reservoir, with an estimated 500 still swimming, including around ten that weigh over ten pounds (4.5 kg). Southern Reservoir was closed during September to facilitate these fishing events without interference, but with the new season now open, this urban fishery is available to all current license holders.

Please remember that this waterway is closed to bait fishing, including scented soft baits. We also ask that you pick up any litter you see and dispose of it in the bin by the gate. Dunedin City Council has granted us the privilege of using this facility, and by taking care of it, we can ensure it continues to provide an inner-city fishery for years to come.

Back Country Tracks Reopen

Washouts on the upper Nevis Road. Credit: CODC Facebook page.

A few tracks are now open after their annual winter closures:

• Lake Onslow Road from Paerau/Styx to the boundary gate at Lake Onslow
• Old Dunstan Road from Paerau Road to Dunedin City Council boundary
• Nevis Road from Commissioners Creek to the Southland District Council boundary
• Bridge Huts Road from Bridge 185
• Upper Manorburn Dam Road from the intersection with Aston Road.

Please be advised that after recent heavy rains the tracks are strictly experienced 4WD-access only (pictured, Nevis Road conditions).

Our maintenance crews are carrying out repairs where required and will be on the roads for the next week until finished. River levels are also running high and may affect access in some circumstances.

Please be respectful of neighbouring properties and stick to CODC tracks.

NOTE:

The following roads are still closed (from 4 June 2024) until Labour Weekend (29 October 2024):

• Old Dunstan Road from Linnburn Road to Poolburn Dam
• Poolburn Dam is accessible from Poolburn.

Liberations Underway

Eggs ready to hatch out for future liberations. Credit: Steve Dixon.

We have successfully liberated all but 110 two-year-old fish for our "Take a Kid Fishing" event. We will soon begin liberating the one-year-old fish into our put-and-take fisheries.

Additionally, we've set aside 5 two-year-old jacks and 15 two-year-old hens for next year’s brood stock.

Excitingly, we have 80,000 to 100,000 eggs that are currently eyed up and just days away from hatching.

Otago’s put-and-take trout fisheries are designed to provide accessible fishing experiences for anglers of all skill levels, making them especially popular among families and beginners. These fisheries are regularly stocked with rainbow trout, sourced from Macraes Trout Hatchery.

Otago Fish & Game only release hatchery fish into waterways without natural spawning.

Soft bait Clinic

Want to learn how to catch more trout, salmon and perch?

Soft baits are a highly effective spin-fishing method for beginners to advanced anglers. Join Otago Fish & Game and Lance Gill from Okuma for our free mid-week evening clinics.

DUNEDIN

• Taieri River, Taieri Ferry Rd, next to the red bridge, Henley.
• 6.30pm-8.30pm, November 6.

QUEENSTOWN

• Shotover Delta, Shotover Delta Road, Frankton.
• 6.30pm-8.30pm, November 13

Contact email: otago@fishandgame.org.nz

Please double-check you have entered all details correctly (especially your email address) as once you press 'done' you cannot change or add to your registration.

If you need to cancel a registration, please email otago@fishandgame.org.nz.

By participating at this event, you agree any photos taken there may be used for Fish & Game promotional purposes.

 Click here to sign up

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

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

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

Here’s the weekend outlook:

Dunedin

Heavy rain is expected though this week, clearing for the weekend. This will most likely flood most waterways in the area, which are unlikely to clear by the weekend. Still water fisheries will be the most productive, as they are unlikely to be as discoloured as the rivers and streams in the area.
 
 The Taieri River at Outram was flowing at 37.3 cumecs. The water temperature was 10.3 degrees C. 

Click here for live weather updates.

Wānaka

With showers and light winds forecast, anglers will need to pack a warm waterproof jacket. Rain during the week will be keeping rivers high, and some, such as the Lindis and Cardrona, are still likely to be unfishable due to discolouration.

Click here for live weather updates.

Alexandra

Much like the rest of the region, Alexandra is forecast to receive rain leading up to the weekend. With the recently open Manuherikia high and dirty, anglers might be inclined to seek some of the nearby still waters.

Unlike the rest of the region, Central Otago is likely to dodge the showers dogging other parts, with partly overcast conditions over the weekend.

Click here for live weather updates.

Clutha Regional Forecast

Heavy rain and high rivers... With the rest of the week at downpour levels, the reprieve of Saturdays overcast conditions will be welcome. Unfortunately, the rivers will be carrying the hangover of the bad weather, running high and dirty. Rivers with predominantly bush catchments, such as in the Catlins, will be clearer, however will still be running high.

At the time of writing the Pomahaka River was flowing at 31.6 cumecs

The lower Clutha River at Balclutha was flowing at 867 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