Fishing Report January 26th 2011:

Since my last report which is some time ago there has been a mixture of some good and bad conditions for fishing. Wind and rain made it very difficult for the fly fisherman and boat trolling over the Christmas holiday period.

The rivers were running very high and discolored for much of that time with Lake Wanaka close to flooding.  From about the 10th of January the rivers were falling and clearing provided some good fishing with some very good conditioned fish being caught.

Dry fly fishing with humpy patterns in particular was beginning to be productive. When windy and dry fly fishing was difficult those fishermen prepared to adapt to the conditions had good success with streamers. Where there are plenty of rainbow trout fishing these across and down the river can be great fun. These strike very hard putting up some great fights and many anglers playing these for the first time underestimate their strength and try to land too quickly which has ended up with many being broken off or lost.

When rivers were unable to be fished the lake edges fished with a high floating dry fly once again was also a good option. Lake Wanaka was difficult to access with high water levels but where possible Manuka beetles were also very successful.

We are very fortunate to have this option available when rivers are out and I have spotted and landed some large browns in great condition with an average weight between 3 and 4lb.

These cruise the lake edges and with the clear waters offer a great alternative to the rivers. Both Lake Hawea and Wanaka are quite full which has made it difficult to access some of the good edges.

As January has progressed the weather has been hot and sometimes windy, however those who were prepared to adapt on difficult days and fish with a nymph or streamer found some good fishing.

The lakes once again have proved very productive with a dry fly even when windy. Brown trout averaging 4lb being normal.

Spin fishermen have been meeting with some success. An option is to use a bubble and fly. This is usually successful on the Clutha River just before dark.

Just before dark the fish are sometimes rising beyond the cast of a fly fisherman but it has been at a very high level. It can be more fun than the traditional spin fishing method.

Boat trolling has been productive when conditions are suitable. Wind and rough conditions on the lakes has at times made it difficult. I hope the conditions in the next few weeks are more settled with less wind and offer excellent dry fly fishing. We will let you know how successful these months are in the next report.

Tight Lines - Richard       Back to main page