February 2018 Otago Lakes Fishing Report
Proudly brought to you by Craig Smith from Hatch Fishing
The big dry and overheat has finally broken and cooler temperatures combined with increased rainfall has produced conditions more favorable for fishing.A major rain event saw rivers at full flood levels earlier in the month, and many fish have been pushed back into the lakes from the backcountry rivers. These fish will move back once the rivers settle down, but there has been some major siltation and it won’t take much rain for the rivers to colour up again.
Fish are feeding actively during the day with the cooler water temperatures, and cicadas are still the main fly of choice in the high country.
On lowland waters, we have been doing well with dry blowflies and mayflies, as well as damselfly nymphs.
Willow grubs should really be coming into their own soon, but some areas the willow have not got many sawfly blisters on them - I’m not really sure why.
Looking ahead, terrestrials should continue for the next few weeks as the flies of choice. Difficult fish are still receptive to nymphs if they won’t come up to a dry. Usually a size 14 or 16 weighted mayfly will do the trick.
High Country lakes are fishing well with cicadas, and are a good option if it’s windy or rivers cloudy.
Pic Above: One of many fish taken during a week of very difficult conditions recently.
Tight lines,
Craig Smith
Registered professional guide NZPFGA
FFF certified casting instructor
Ph +6434438446
M 0276469419
info@hatchfishing.co.nz
FFF certified casting instructor
Ph +6434438446
M 0276469419
info@hatchfishing.co.nz