Small streams best bet for opening day

Press, 24 September 1988, Page 25

Small streams best bet for opening day

The floods of the last couple of weeks have disturbed riverbeds and totally disrupted my intention of telling readers the best spots in each district for the opening morning of the fishing season. Because this column is written about 10 days ahead of publication, there is no certainty of river conditions for October 1 — that important day for many anglers. However, it can be said the signs had been very encouraging. There were numerous reports of good size and condition trout in most rivers, and we must remember that lowland flooding is of no consequence to lakes, and the small streams. So there’s the clue for opening morning. Stick to the smaller streams, where water colour should be about right ... not too clear, and certainly not discoloured to the point where fishing is impossible. Remember that a number of West Coast lakes are “tea-colour” and that means you’ll be fishing “blind,” regardless of the effect of any incoming steam discoloration. Consider also the speed with which West Coast streams clear. They are shorter, and steeper rivers than in Canterbury, and thus drain faster, returning to “normal” in a shorter timespan, and should therefore not be overlooked. I say this, too, because there are some magnificent trout in these rivers, and while the whitebait season is in progress it’s normal to huge

sea-run brown trout following the whitebait upstream. But in this instance, you will be competing with others for the recreational use of the river, and it’s worth remembering that the whitebait season is short ... the trout fishing season is much longer. I don’t need to spell-out the message “give way to whitebaiters where practicable.” My choice of waters for the opening of the season would include streams in most provinces. The rivers and lakes of Westland hold trout from which legends are woven, but because much of the water is “teacoloured” the fish are able to elude the angler who simply “spots” with polaroids. Prospecting is the only way to find trout, unless they are rising to a hatch, and . during the early season that’s less likely than in summer. The La Fontaine River, Waitangi Taona, and a host of smaller creeks around Hokitika will attract anglers. These waters have been fishing well before the recent rains, and will return to condition quickly. The Motueka River, if it’s fishable, has to be worth a cast or two. The deep pools, and river flats are confined by trees in many areas, and casting is not always easy, but it’s worth perservering. The. hare and copper nymph might be the weapon to use if you can spot a trout. Lake Rotoiti and the Gowan River area is usually productive, but this will depend on

If it’s bright sunshine, a small Twilight beauty fly should be first choice, but be careful, these trout can see 360 degrees, and in all lights. They’ve been fished at before. The Rai River is another worth fishing, but check the water colour first. Down into Canterbury, the fishing may be restricted to a handful of small streams. Best choice of streams might be the Ashley, Styx, and Harts Creek. These are widespread, so some care is necessary before journeying too far. Check water conditions before going to the Ashley River, as this is the one most likely to be discolored. Mid and South Canterbury rivers, particularly the smaller ones, should have cleared by opening morning. If so, the Rangitata, Ashburton, Hinds, Orari and Opihi rivers will be popular. These may well be fished with threadline or wetfly, particularly in the pockets of water that are The inland South Canterbury and Waitaki Valley lakes have different opening days, and it’s probable many anglers will choose Lake Benmore or Lake Aviemore for their first casts. This is particularly logical if anglers remember I reported that a 6.5 kg (14>/ 2 pound) brown trout was taken there last month. Dark coloured threadiine or wetfly tackle should still be the preference for early season angling. X * ♦ *

It’s inevitable that you will get a hook into your clothing sometime during the initial visit to the river during opening week. There is an easy way to dislodge the hook .without destroying a cardigan, or jacket. It requires you to flatten the barbbefore extracting the hook. It’s simple and the treble hook is easily replaced, either from a supply carried in the bag or from another piece of tackle. ♦ ♦ ♦ The start of the new fishing season brings with it the responsibility to purchase a new fishing licence. At $43 for an adult licence, the fee equates to less than 12 cents per day, assuming you fish daily (and it’s entirely up to you to use it as you wish). . But more importantly, remember to take your licence with you. Honorary rangers and society field staff have enough problems policing regulations without listening to long-winded explanations about licences left “back in the car” etc. The onus is on the angler to carry the licence at all times. Before venturing out for your first visit to the water this season, seek advice about the opening date for such waters. Differing dates apply to waters within "The Press” circulation area, and you should check with the licence, or appropriate acclimatisation society for clarification ttf

GONE FISHING

with

PETER SHUTT

outflow from Lake Rotoroa, and because it is perhaps the steepest river on the West Coast, it could still be marginal. If fishable, I’d be there like a shot. If not, try the Mangles River. There is no need to discuss the Maruia River. Results usually speak for themselves, but it’s probably not first, choice for opening day after recent rainfall. Over into the Marlborough Acclimatisation Society area, there is one water that I’d walk on hands and knees to fish providing it’s cleared in time. That’s Spring Creek. It’s only 20 minutes out of Blenheim, and is exactly like the name suggests. Deep in places, it winds through delightful farm lands. Hence, as on all other waters, I suggest you get permission before crossing the land.