Season opens with good catches of trout

By
Claire Allison
-
Family effort . . .This group of cousins had a successful morning at Lake Opuha fishing with their grandfathers. Each caught a brown trout using huhu grubs as bait. In the front, from left, are Reuben Foster, 5, from Geraldine, Zander Foster, 9, from Perth, Angus Foster, 7, from Geraldine, and at rear, Max Cleverley, 12, from Christchurch. PHOTOS: RHYS ADAMS/CSIFG

Lake Opuha once again proved the hub of opening day fishing in the central South Island.

Central South Island Fish & Game officer Rhys Adams said conditions for opening day on Sunday were fantastic during the morning, but when the wind picked up in the afternoon in exposed places it became a challenge to cast and see the fish.

Early start . . . Pleasant Point man Paul Hemming was out on the Opihi River early on Sunday morning at a spot within walking distance from his home. He had seen two fish by 8.30am, but had hooked none, and had a favourite pool in mind for later in the day when light conditions improved. PHOTO: RHYS ADAMS/CSIFG

Mr Adams said Lake Opuha was at good levels after a top-up from recent rain and the lake was busy with anglers.

‘‘There were about 30 fishing boats coming and going throughout the day and a steady flow of shoreline anglers too.’’

Mr Adams said there were some great catches of 0.8-1.8kg brown and rainbow trout, with some of the spoils cooked up on the camp barbecue for lunch.

Central South Island rivers were in good condition — low and clear water — good for sighting and targeting individual fish.

Lunchtime! Seven-year-old Flynn Scott spent opening day at Lake Opuha with his granddad Donald Scott, catching several large trout each by trolling lures around the lake from their small boat. They chose three of the best-conditioned fish to keep for lunch and dinner, and released the rest. PHOTO: RHYS ADAMS/CSIFG

There was a scattering of anglers throughout the river access points although a few spots were free.

In the Waitaki River catchment, a blustery norwester added to the challenge of casting and spotting fish, but anglers were observed throughout the length of the river, either fishing from the shore or a jetboat.

Mr Adams said the river was relatively low, allowing shoreline anglers easy access, and most anglers rangers checked on had hooked a fish by lunchtime.

Bells and Bortons ponds, irrigation offtake ponds of the Waitaki River, were a popular spot on opening day owing to the relaxed park-like setting, and there were some great catches of 1-2kg brown and rainbow trout observed by rangers.

Great catch . . . Kerri Priest, of Timaru, caught a well-conditioned brown trout fishing the Waitaki River near State Highway 1 on opening day with a black and silver softbait lure. PHOTO: PHOTO: NIKKI DELLAWAY/CSIFG

The fishing season is open until April 30, although many year-round fishing options are available, including Lake Benmore, Lake Tekapo and the O ¯ hau hydro canals.

Many ‘‘high-country’’ rivers and lakes remain closed until their opening day on the first Saturday in November.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR