July 2018 Otago Lakes Fishing Report

Winter is in full swing, with cold temperatures resulting in falling lake levels and low river flows as most of the rainfall is locked up in the snowpack.

We have been out and about fishing over the last couple of weeks, and are finding things very quiet, as I would expect at this time of year. There are a few browns about cruising the lake margins, but are proving to be not particularly motivated to feed. We have had a few takes on bully imitations lifted off the bottom.

There are a number of fish taking midges off the surface on calm days, but well outside casting range.

On a positive note, more rainbows will be coming in to river mouths to prepare for spawning, and if there is a good rip, they are relatively easy to hook. As August approaches, the weather warms up and there are more food sources for the browns, so the lake edges will start to fish better.

The canals around Twizel and Tekapo have been fishing well, as the fish are more active in the cold weather. Southern Wild has a wide range of canal fishing lures, soft baits, glo bugs, as well as great rod and reel set ups. Braid line is a must to detect takes, which can often be extremely subtle.

Best of luck out there, and stay warm!