Otago Weekly Fishing Report - 5 February 2025

Getting in the zone

A lot of anglers will be heading to our lakes and rivers for a Waitangi Day extended break. It might be a good idea to make the most of pleasant fishing conditions before the predicted wet weather this weekend.

Pictured above: the thermocline will appear as a horizontal line or a fuzzy band running across the screen of your fish finder.

During the warmer months, we often hear anglers talking about fishing the thermocline in the lakes.

• The thermocline is the layer of water where the temperature changes rapidly from warm to cold.
• Trout often congregate near the thermocline in lakes as it offers a balance of temperature and oxygen levels.
• Use a fish finder sounder to identify the thermocline, appearing as a horizontal line or a fuzzy band running across the screen.
• You’ll often see fish arches near or just above the thermocline.
• Trolling: use a lead core line, paravane or downrigger to reach the thermocline. Follow the shoreline using the fish finder to stay in the thermocline.
• Jigging: Drop a weighted jig head lure to the desired depth and use short, subtle lifts of the rod to impart action to the jig.

Watch this Fishing on the Thermocline video on Facebook with Fish & Game officer Ben Sowry.

Finding the flow

Lowell Smyth with a chunky 5lb brown trout caught deep in the Otago backcountry. Credit: Lowell Smyth.

With water levels running low throughout most Otago rivers, trout are adapting by holding in deep pools or moving into open runs, waiting for food to drift by. In the backcountry, this often creates prime conditions for dry fly action, with trout eagerly rising to well-presented flies.

Finding the right water is half the battle. As levels drop and temperatures rise, many fish move downstream to larger rivers in search of cooler, deeper water. Before heading out, check flows and water temperatures via the ORC data portal to help pinpoint where fish are most likely holding. If fish numbers are lower than expected, don’t be afraid to relocate—trout often congregate in cooler, deeper water during low flows.

With Waitangi Day and good weather ahead, expect plenty of anglers on the rivers this weekend. Be sure to leave your intentions at your vehicle, and if the river is busy, try to share the water where possible.

Manorburn magic

James Sutherland plays a feisty rainbow trout up at the Upper Manorburn Dam. Credit: Glen Greaves.

The large reservoirs and dams around Central Otago have been producing excellent fishing for Dunedin Hunting & Fishing staff member Glen Greaves and his son James over the past couple of weeks.

The Upper Manorburn Dam has provided action-packed days, with multiple feisty rainbow trout making it to the bank. Glen and James have found success stalking the reservoir edges, targeting cruising fish with both fly and spin rods.

Glen says they’ve had good results using small beadhead Hare & Copper flies in the morning, switching to cicadas as the day progresses. Small, naturally coloured soft baits have also been effective—typically cast in front of cruising fish and given a slight twitch as the fish approaches.

A similar tactic worked for Glen at Poolburn Reservoir as well, though with a bit more blind fishing around likely areas. In particular, drop-offs and weed edges proved productive, as these are key areas where fish are likely to cruise.

For more information on fishing Upper Manorburn Dam click here.
For more information on fishing Poolburn Dam click here.

Hot tips for Lake Hāwea

Mark from Southern Wild Wānaka shares his top tips for anglers fishing Lake Hāwea or any of the larger lakes this long weekend:

• Change up your depth! Make sure you're fishing deep enough—refer to the thermocline article above for guidance.
• Go bright! Pinks, silvers, and blues are Lake Hāwea staples, but don’t be afraid to try something different, like red or orange, to stand out.
• Move with the fish! Don’t waste time in one spot if the action slows down—fish move around, and you should too.
• Keep your catch fresh! Well-conditioned lake fish make excellent table fare if handled properly—don’t forget to bring ice.
• Shoreline success! Don’t be afraid to park up the boat and stalk the shoreline. Fish in shallow water often spook from high-sided boats or prop noise.
• Stay safe on the water! With many other boats—including Mark himself—likely to be out on Lake Hāwea this weekend, be sure to follow maritime laws and practice safe boating.
• While these tips are focused on Lake Hāwea, they apply to many lakes and reservoirs throughout Otago.

Generally attractive

This medium-sized brown was one of several backcountry trout hungry for a Royal Stimulator dry fly last weekend. Credit: Bruce Quirey.

Fly fishing on warm summer days on Otago backcountry waters is often less about matching the hatch with perfect imitations than it is about good presentation with general attractor patterns.

The Royal Stimulator, for instance, is one of those useful patterns that can mimic a variety of terrestrial insects. With cicadas and grasshoppers chirping in the background, a size 12 Royal Stimulator fooled several brown trout for one angler on a backcountry fishery last weekend. In clear, sunny conditions, make sure your leader is long enough, your casts are accurate, and your drift is drag-free. If you’re not getting any takes, sometimes a slight twitch can also get a fish’s attention.

Don’t forget to enjoy the scenery: fly fishing in the Otago backcountry is as much about the experience as it is about catching fish.

Going wild on World Wetlands Day

Otago Fish & Game Councillor Vicky May lends a helping hand at the World Wetlands Day family fun event at Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs. Credit: Bruce Quirey.

A crowd of around 300 picnicked, played and discovered more about nature at a family fun event on World Wetlands Day at Bullock Creek Hatchery Springs in Wānaka on Sunday.

The event hosted by Otago Fish & Game and Friends of Bullock Creek was hailed a success, showing the importance of wetlands and the work of local organisations caring for the environment.

Only nine per cent of New Zealand’s original wetlands still exist.

As a not-for-profit organisation, Otago Fish & Game advocates to restore and protect freshwater ecosystems with evidence-based, sustainable management, guided democratically by our community of anglers and hunters.

Read more by clicking here.

Lake Hāwea Family Fishing classic

Lake Hāwea may be busier than usual this Saturday, as the Lake Hāwea Family Fishing Classic is set to take place. Anglers keen to enter can find more details below.

Registration Details

Before competition day: At the Lake Hawea Community Centre between 5 and 10pm on Friday 9th February. Entry forms available from the Lake Hawea Community Centre.

On competition day: At the Lake Hawea Community Centre between 7am and 9am

• Weigh-in: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
• Prize Giving: From 6:30 PM

Important: All participants must be present and in line at the weigh-in before 4:30 PM. Fish must be presented on ice to be eligible for entry.

•  All net proceeds from this event will be distributed back to local community groups.

For more details: Lake Hawea Fishing Classic

Check, Clean, Dry

With the long weekend providing a great excuse to travel and fish in different locations, it's important to Check, Clean, Dry to help protect these unique environments and waterways from aquatic pests.

Check: Remove any plant matter from your gear and leave it at the site (the river or lake bank), or put it in the rubbish. Don't wash plant material down any drain.

Clean: There are different requirements for North Island and South Island River and lake users. South Island river and lake users - Use 10% dishwashing detergent mixed with water and leave the item wet for 10 minutes. For more detailed information on the North Island click here.

Dry: Ensure your gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out, then leave dry for at least another 48 hours before you use it (Didymo can survive for months on moist gear).

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 the Wanaka 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

Rain showers on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning should help refresh and cool many of the lower coastal rivers, creating excellent fishing conditions—especially for those who have taken Friday off for a long weekend.

Friday and Saturday offer the best conditions, with overcast skies and mild easterly winds developing in the afternoon. On Sunday, overcast conditions are expected to develop into rain showers, accompanied by stiff southerly winds.

The Taieri River at Outram was flowing at 4.6 cumecs at the time of writing. The water temperature was 17.8 degrees C.

Click here for live weather updates.

Wānaka

Anglers around Wānaka should take advantage of the start of the long weekend, with excellent fishing conditions expected from Thursday through to Saturday afternoon. Thursday is forecast to have light winds and overcast skies, while Friday and Saturday will bring similar conditions, with northerlies developing in the evening and a chance of isolated showers. Rain showers are expected on Sunday and Monday.

Click here for live weather updates.

Alexandra

Southeasterly winds will keep Thursday’s temperatures from rising too far into the 20s, with a brisk wind expected to develop in the evening. Friday and Saturday are forecast to bring light winds and warm temperatures, creating ideal conditions for fishing reservoirs throughout the region. Like the rest of Otago, Sunday is expected to bring rain showers.

Click here for live weather updates.

Clutha Regional Forecast

Friday looks to be the best day for fishing around the Lower Clutha, with Thursday’s rain expected to refresh some of the currently low rivers. Saturday is forecast to have isolated showers, with southeasterlies developing in the evening. Rain showers are expected on Sunday.

The Pomahaka River was flowing at 4.8 cumecs.
The lower Clutha River at Balclutha was flowing at 318 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.