JACOB LUCAS
The much-anticipated trout fishing season is here. After what was one of the wettest winters for many in the top of the south, the October fishing season brings with it a welcome recreational opportunity.
Many anglers, having gone into somewhat of a fishing hibernation over the winter months, eagerly await the first day in October. Rivers and lakes that have been closed to fishing, re-open, bringing the prospect of getting into nature and a chance at catching trout that haven’t seen a lure for five months.
After a hectic period of high rainfall in late winter, the taps have eased off a bit, bringing with it stable river flows and warmer conditions –ideal for sight fishing and activating trout into feeding mode, so fishing should be great from day one. While most anglers seek solitude in more remote waters that have been off limits for winter, the lower reaches of our rivers close to towns can also provide some really exciting fishing during Spring.
Many of these waters are open all year, and some fantastic flyor lure fishing can be had. If fishery enhancement is your thing, the Nelson Marlborough region carry out regular releases of (1kg+) rainbow trout regularly during the season. Last year, over 5000 takeable fish were released into Lake Argyle, the Branch/Leatham, and the new fishing facility at Waimea Park.
This year a similar number of fish will be released for the benefit of Fish & Game licence-holders, and we receive a huge amount of positive feedback from the recreational opportunity this provides, especially from families, beginners, and less mobile anglers. Lakes Argyle and Brunner are distinctly different stillwater fisheries, but receive some of the highest fishing effort in their respective regions –and rightly so.
Brunner is an amazing West Coastlake fishery with a high population of wild brown trout, and is open all year. It has some great rivers entering into it too, providing exciting fishing options when the new season opens. Lake Argyle, on the other hand, is a small man-made hydro lake in the Wairau Valley, and is one the region’s most popular places to fish for rainbow trout (mostly released by Fish & Game and largely funded through Manawa Energy).
Success rates here are high, and fish here can be regularly seen cruising the shallow sandy flats on the lake and are suckers for softbaits, or bait fishing tactics. This year the start of the fishing season also coincides with school holidays creating a great opportunity to get the family amongst the early season excitement. Wherever you may fish, it is well recognised that we have it pretty good in Aotearoa, and the West Coast and Nelson Marlborough regions are no exception. This year international anglers will be flocking back here to get a taste of the action after a few years away.
Tight linesfor those of you who are hitting the rivers this season, and for any readers that are thinking about giving trout fishing a go, or getting back into after a while, get in touch with your local Fish & Game office –they have heaps of great advice to get you sorted and boost your chance of success.
