June 2018 Otago Lakes Fishing Report

It’s a brave angler to be on the water this month unless the sun is out! However, when cold fingers allow, and your rod eyelets aren’t frozen, I suggest focusing on incoming river mouths to target rainbows that are moving around in preparation for spawning in a few months. There is the odd brown lurking on the mudflats post spawning, however they are not in very flash condition.

There is not much in the way of food available, and with the cold conditions, the fish essentially shut down, and can be seen motionless or moving very slowly.
Flies to use are sub surface, and bully imitations lifted off the bottom as a fish moves over it may trigger a feeding response.

Fisheries with are going well are the canals up around Twizel, as the colder water temps makes the fish more active throughout the day. I have just returned from Taupo, and the fish are running well, and in excellent condition - if your finances allow, book a ticket!

Expect the conditions to remain the same over July, but August will see an improvement in fish activity providing temperatures warm up.

Below is a nice brown caught late season. The fishing during the last few weeks of this season was exceptional, with great mayfly hatches.

Stay warm, tie flies, practice casting, and get out on the sunny days!