THE FISHING SEASON.

Press, Volume XLIX, Issue 14822, 13 November 1913, Page 3

THE FISHING SEASON.

IN SOUTH CANTERBURY

(VROSI A CORRESPONDENT.)

Tho rainy weather has greatly improved angling prospects upon the South Canterbury fly streams, and good sport Jias been the rule rather than the exception during the past week. A fisherman on the Upper Kakahu made a basket of seventeen trout weighing up to three pounds; and various other takes are reported, which were more numerous, but less in-average size. Also there is news from the lower waters of tho same river of the capture of a perch* weighing more than two pounds. Presumably this fish would be *out of condition, as perch spawn in the summer, and generally aro at their best in winter time, when trout are out of season. The largest bag made recently iii the Hue Te Moana, consisted of forty trout, averaging about three to the pound. The higher pools of this river, and also the Upper Waihi, are crowded with silvery little trout, which evidently aro descended from sea-going parents, and probably came upstream on the last fresh. A few days a*_o an angler accounted for sixty-two fish on the Waihi above Winchester, in the live hours before dark. The largest was a two-pounder, and a good many of the others weighed about a pound. If some'of the willows were cleared away, this would be one of the best fly waters in the country. Hardy's favourites were responsible for the take of sixty-two. Good sport continues on tlie Opihi, near pleasant Point, and at Hanging Rock. At the last-named place an angler was hauling out a -'sprat," when it was seized by an—estimated—eight-pounder. which held on while it was played for several moments, until nearly stranded on a shallow. Near Belfield the Orari is very low, and six trout, weighing altogether more than thirty pounds, were taken out of a pool on Sunday. The bait is not stated, but the-report began: "As soon as I fell, uml-r +he. snag I touched *i ('-!;'', mo probably tney were not caught with fly. It has been suggested that certain able-bodied ''strikers"' might be converted into rangers, with good effect.

_ From the Rangitata there is news: "Plenty of trout, in very good condition, but of smaller average size than is usual. The river is now full of bait. and everything points to a successful season." An angler secured eight fish, weighing up to live pounds each, and on the same occasion had the bad luck to lose eight others. Landing operations on the southern side are hindered by a steep bank of slipping shingle, and the fish were lost in taking them down to a more possible place. A couple of monsters were hooked last week, but both made out seawards as usual and got clear. Three good fish were' taken a short distance above the railway bridge.