QUINNAT SALMON.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 48, Issue 158, 16 April 1928, Page 6

QUINNAT SALMON.

SUCCESSFUL SEASON AT RANGITATA.

Salmon fishing in the Rangiteata River has brought a large number of visitors to the district this year, and promises: to attract increasing numbers as time- goes on. The fish commenced to run late in January, and it was noted by those best acquainted with salmon fishing that in the early part of the season, about the middle of February, a preponderance of male fish came in, and many of these were of; considerable size.. Fish caught ranged up to 401 b, while some were seen that were estimated to go a good deal over that weight. Later on, in ; March, female fish were in the majority, and these were not so large, averaging about 15lb. Visiting fishermen will do well to watch the weather and look out for north-westers, which discolour the river and make fishing impossible. At present the river is dirty, and likely to continue dirty for a few days. Most of the fish have been taken with spoon bait. An English fisherman, Mr Windsor Richards, on his return to England, said: "A word of appreciation must, be said of the gentlemen who have helped me with' the fishing, notably Mr Andrew Readdie, Mr Morris Williams and Mr Jock Macdonald. I have fished salmon in many parts of the world, and don't remember, "before coming to Geraldine,. ever having received such generous help as that given to me by these gentlemen and good sportsmen. The quinnat salmon fishing 1 consider well worth coming for from England, and I look forward with great pleasure to my next visit to Geraldine, when I will make a more prolonged stay and hope to renew my friendship with fII those who have helped to- make my present visit so happy and enjoyable.'' Judging from the increasing runs of fish in the last two seasons, .there is a great possibility of quinnat salmon becoming almost as numerous here as m the Canadian rivers. The condition of the fish has been excellent, and some beautiful specimens have been taken toward mouth of the river. At present there are many coloured fish in the river, and though they give good sport they are not thought quite so much of for the table as the fresh-hun fish.