November 2016 Fishing Report

Proudly brought to you by Craig Smith from Hatch Fishing

At last, the Backcountry waters around Wanaka open on November 1, with the other waters further North in the Central South Island opening on November 5. The weather forecast is for lovely calm settled weather right up to 7am on opening day and then it really turns to crap! Let's hope I'm wrong!

Expect plenty of anglers to be out and about so make sure you remain polite and positive with any “encounters”!

There was a good turnout at the Upper Clutha Angling Clubs “learn to fish” classes held over the last few weeks and, with all waters open, it’ll give you plenty of options to apply your new found fishing skills. To join this excellent local club, contact Rick on 443 6381.

Out in the field, I have been testing out the Simms Freestone waders, which Southern Wild stock, and been very impressed with their performance. For a so called “budget” wader, the fit and durability is excellent. I highly recommend them

Flies to use that have been working are generally gold or black bead head hare and coppers in sizes 12 and 14, with mayflies such as Adams being successful during some of the quite prolific hatches we have been seeing over the last few days with the changeable weather.