Otago Weekly Fishing Report - 8 January 2026

Lakes and rivers firing as rangers active over summer

Fish & Game ranger Cole Briggs chats with compliant anglers Kate McLeod, Jordan (8), Charlie (5) and dad Josh McLeod fishing from shore at Lake Dunstan. Photo: Ian Hadland

Compliance reminders

• Always carry your licence. This makes checks quick and easy for everyone.
• No licence and no form of identification will result in gear being seized.
• Look after yourself, your family and your mates by checking that everyone fishing has a valid licence. We have encountered several new anglers encouraged to “have a go” by friends or family without holding a licence, which has resulted in offence notices and borrowed gear being seized. A day licence is quick and easy to obtain.
• Make sure junior anglers have their licence. We have seen many keen young anglers out over summer, not all of whom were licensed, often because parents assumed it had been organised as in previous years.
• Check you have your licence before heading out. If you don’t have a card, receipt, or paper licence, you don’t have a licence.

Refining your technique

Most boat anglers we’ve encountered on the lakes over the past couple of weeks were having some success on rainbow and brown trout and landlocked salmon.

However, others might have more luck with simple adjustments to their technique.

• Be careful not to troll too quickly — about walking pace is often ideal, although it can vary. Slowing the pace will allow the lure to reach the correct depth and will appear more natural to predators.
• Check your trolling depth — trout are often within only 1-2 metres of the bottom. 
• Use your depth sounder to follow the lake contour where fish feed in the littoral zone; at river mouths; along drop-offs; and off points.

Scott Preston reels in a brown trout while spin-fishing the shallow margins of Lake Dunstan, as Fish & Game ranger Cole Briggs looks on. Photo: Ian Hadland.

Loyal senior licence holder Nelson Smith shows a box of self-tied flies to Otago Fish & Game ranger (and chief executive!) Ian Hadland at Lake Dunstan. Photo: Cole Briggs.

River in prime conditions

Lowell Smyth with an excellent conditioned backcountry rainbow. Photo: Supplied.

Consistent rain over the Christmas period has kept most rivers in excellent condition, with cool water temperatures and decent flows providing ideal opportunities for sight fishing.

Anglers our rangers have spoken with report success using small Flashback Pheasant Tail nymphs in size 14, as well as green and black blowfly imitations in sizes 12 and 14.

More rain is forecast for this weekend, but rivers are expected to clear relatively quickly, returning to a sight-fishable state. If flows are high or slightly discoloured, don’t hesitate to fall back on early-season tactics using larger flies or streamers to target fish in deeper runs and holding water.

Don’t forget the ORC Environmental Data Portal for real-time helpful information including flows, temperature, and lake levels.

Devils do the deed at Onslow

Spencer Bell at Lake Onslow. Photo: Chris Bell.

Lake Onslow is a great fishing spot for the kids, says Chris Bell.

Chris and his 8-year-old son Spencer recently went spin-fishing along the shoreline of the high-country reservoir and got great results. They caught five brown trout in an afternoon. Pink Tasmanian Devils were working awesome, he says.
The Bells also trolled around Lake Dunstan and caught 10 trout and four perch — also on pink Tassies.

The lake is productive with a self-sustaining brown trout population and a bag limit of 10.

About 700 metres above sea level Lake Onslow is high and exposed, so come prepared with warm clothing and stout footwear. On a good day, it is magical. But if you see bad weather approaching, it’s time to pack up and leave. Gravel roads lead to the lake from Millers Flat and Roxburgh. It is also possible to drive in from the Maniototo on a dry-weather track.

Tricking out your Tassie

Tasmanian Devil lure re-rigged with a small bead and single hook. Photo: Mason Court.

Tasmanian Devil lures are a staple in the tackle boxes of many Otago anglers, whether trolling or spin fishing, and for plenty of people their first fish or favourite lure has been caught on the humble Tassie.

One issue often raised by anglers new to fishing is a low hook-up-to-landing ratio when using these lures. This can be even more noticeable when trolling with a paravane or lead line. In many cases, the problem comes down to the small treble hook supplied with the lure, which doesn’t always result in a solid hook-set.

Many anglers find their success improves by swapping the treble hook for a larger single hook. The simplest way to do this is to run your leader through the lure, then through a small bead, and tie it directly to a single hook. This set-up provides a stronger single point for hooking fish and allows the lure to slide freely on the line. When a fish jumps, the sliding lure gives it less leverage to throw the hook. The bead is important, as it keeps the hook free; without it, the hook can jam into the lure and negatively affect the swimming action.

For extra attraction, the single hook can also be replaced with an appropriately sized streamer-style fly.

Jayde Couper with a perch caught on fly in the lake shallows. Photo: Jayde Couper.

Perch on the fly

Otago Fish & Game ecologist Jayde Couper recently landed his largest perch to date on a fly rod, made even more rewarding by sight-fishing to it in the shallows. As temperatures rise, perch fishing in Otago lakes is coming into its own, and careful observation can make a big difference.

Jayde says one standout insight was just how shallow perch will push. Fish were seen travelling surprisingly long distances tight along bankside vegetation, highlighting the value of fishing hard along the edges rather than focusing solely on deeper water. In these areas, small, lightly weighted streamers fished on a floating line proved effective. The same approach suits spin anglers using a bubble set-up.

A small green Woolly Bugger produced consistent results, likely imitating either a small baitfish or a damsel fly nymph — both common food sources in weedy lakes.

Retrieve speed also mattered. Unlike trout, which can often be triggered by speeding up a retrieve, perch were consistently put off by this approach. Slowing the retrieve right down — sometimes almost to a stop — proved far more effective and usually resulted in a take.

Stealth was equally important. Perch feeding in shallow water were easily spooked by wave action from wading or clouds of silt kicked up underfoot, making slow, careful movement essential. Interestingly, the fish showed little concern about a fly landing nearby, and casting close to a visible swirl or tail often drew an immediate response. Sharp hooks were also critical, as perch have tough mouths and can be difficult to keep pinned.

As a bonus, a good eating trout was also landed, feeding aggressively on adult damsel flies but still willing to take a streamer.

From lake to plate

After a hot day on the water, it’s hard to beat a simple fish fry-up.

This recipe comes via Selwyn Clarke, passed on from his son in the Navy, and it produces a light, crispy batter that stays crunchy well after cooking. Rice flour is the key, and while regular flour helps with browning, it can be left out for a gluten-free option.

Perch fillets are lightly salted, dusted in rice flour, then dipped in a batter made from equal parts rice and regular flour, a little baking powder, and ice-cold beer mixed to a thin consistency. Frying at around 175°C until lightly golden gives excellent results. Drained on a rack and finished with a pinch of salt, the perch was served with oven chips, lemon, and sauce of choice.

We cooked the perch alongside some blue cod from the freezer and, on the day, reckoned the perch was every bit as good, if not better.

Young River access

The bank beneath the access stile has collapsed into the river resulting in the Young River car park access track being closed. Photo: Mason Court.

Heavy flows in the Makarora River before Christmas have caused the riverbank at the DOC stile to collapse into the water. As a result, the Young Valley car park entrance and track access are currently closed.

The Department of Conservation, which maintains the track, has advised:
“The Young Car Park walk to the Young Valley is closed and inaccessible due to storm damage and unsafe conditions.”

An alternative route to the Young Valley remains available via the Young Valley Link Track, which can be accessed from the Blue Pools car park. For the latest updates and further information, please visit the DOC website at www.doc.govt.nz.

Fishing gear seized as rangers patrol Otago lakes

Otago Fish & Game officer Cole Briggs with rods seized during compliance checks as part of angler surveys on Lake Dunstan on December 29. Photo: Ian Hadland.

Three anglers received offence notices and had fishing gear seized by Otago Fish & Game rangers on Lake Dunstan on December 29.

One person was found fishing without a licence, and two others were issued offence notices for fishing with more than one rod each.

The rangers were conducting compliance checks as part of a larger survey of anglers on Lake Dunstan this season — making it the latest lake to be included in the region's fisheries monitoring programme.

Rangers interviewed 25 anglers on the lake on December 29, combining compliance checks with survey questions to help manage the lake fishery.

“Rangers are out and about on lakes and rivers across the region at this time of year,” Otago Fish & Game officer Cole Briggs said.

"It's a pity to see easily avoidable offences being committed by a few anglers.

"However, we're pleased to say most anglers are following the rules and having a great holiday — we'd like it to stay that way.”

Remember to carry a current sports fishing licence and stick to the regulations.

“Be prepared to present your fishing licence when you meet a ranger,” Mr Briggs said.

If anglers have not yet received their physical licence, a phone screenshot of the licence — along with a secondary form of identification — will be accepted.

Read more here

New fishing access points open on Catlins River

Otago Fish & Game honorary ranger Dan Natta checks out one of the new access points on the upper Catlins River. Photo: Bruce Quirey, Otago Fish & Game.

We’ve officially opened five new public fishing access points on the Catlins River. Located along Cairn Rd near Wisp Hill, these new spots make it easier to legally and safely reach this tea-coloured fishery.

Our recent ecological surveys showed a thriving, self-sustaining population of brown trout, as well as non-migratory galaxiids and kōura. However, a lack of formal access meant many anglers were accidentally trespassing.

This project was a great collaboration between Otago Fish & Game and Southern Forests Ltd. To make this possible:

• Fish & Game access signs have been installed on roadside gates to help you find your way.
• Southern Forests Ltd and the landowner invested tens of thousands of dollars in gorse and broom control near the river.
• Through the forestry company, almost 200,000 mixed natives have been planted to support the local environment.

A locally important fishery, Catlins River sustains thousands of angler days every year (2023 National Anglers Survey — NIWA). We’re thrilled to work with landowners who value recreation and environmental outcomes as much as we do.

Check out the new access points on the Fish & Game online access map:

https://fishandgamenzaccess.org/fg-otago-region-full-width-map/

Please remember to treat the land and river with respect: leave only footprints.

Read more here

To the Upper Manorburn

Father and son Leighton and Tom McRitchie fishing at Upper Manorburn Dam on Monday. Photo: Bruce Quirey

Upper Manorburn Dam is unusual among Otago’s high-country tussock lakes in that it has a self-sustaining rainbow trout fishery and no brown trout.

This irrigation reservoir was fishing well on Monday under blue, calm skies.

• Spin anglers our Fish & Game rangers met had all caught fish. Father and son Leighton and Tom McRitchie from Clyde had caught five rainbow trout spin-fishing from shore when we met them mid-morning. They were using black-and-gold Tasmanian Devil lures.
• Boat anglers had success trolling lead lines with bright lures in about 2 metres depth.
• A fly angler we met was finding the trout a bit picky but they were rising frequently. On the water were brown manuka beetles, midges, crane flies and lady beetles. Look out for cicada hatches on hot days.

Kevin Bai (16) and Job Santo (15) both of Dunedin, fishing Southern Reservoir over the Christmas break. While not successful that day, they had previously had success there with dry fly and bubbles on spin rods. Photo: Jayde Couper.

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.

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.

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 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

Making the most of the calm morning conditions will be key for anglers around Dunedin this weekend, as strong winds are forecast to develop on both days. Saturday is expected to start with a period of rain in the morning, easing into northwesterly winds by the afternoon. Sunday will bring strong northerlies, gradually shifting to westerlies as the day progresses, with mostly clear skies. These westerly winds are expected to persist through to Monday evening, so early-morning fishing will likely offer the best conditions.

The Taieri River at Outram was at 9.35 cumecs this morning. The water temperature was 18.5 degrees C.

Click here for live MetService weather updates

Wānaka

Rivers around Wānaka will be receiving another top-up with rain expected from Thursday through to Sunday evening. Friday is forecast to have morning showers clearing, followed by strong westerly winds developing. Saturday is expected to be overcast, with northerly winds strengthening through the afternoon — lake anglers should aim to take advantage of the calm morning conditions. Sunday will bring showers throughout the day, with northwesterlies developing in the morning

Click here for live MetService weather updates. 

Alexandra

Finding shelter from the strong winds will be key for anglers this weekend around Alexandra. Showers and strong northwesterly winds are forecast from Friday through Sunday, so seeking out sheltered bays on the larger reservoirs could provide good opportunities, with terrestrial prey likely being blown in to attract feeding fish. Rivers with natural wind breaks may also offer calmer fishing. Scattered rain is expected, with the heaviest showers likely on Saturday morning.

Click here for live MetService weather updates.

Clutha Regional Forecast

The Lower Clutha is facing a mixed forecast this weekend with periods of rain and strong winds. One positive is that river flows on the lower Clutha have dropped, creating more favourable angling conditions. Northerlies are expected to develop Saturday morning, with strong westerlies forecast for Sunday. Anglers should also expect flows in both the Clutha and Pomahaka Rivers to rise following the forecasted rain.

The Pomahaka River at Burkes Ford was at 5 cumecs this morning.

The lower Clutha River at Balclutha was 638 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.