ANGLING

Southland Times, Issue 21073, 3 May 1930, Page 19

ANGLING

(By

“Creel.”)

Climatic conditions for last week-end were of a very changeable nature, and the only river reported to return satisfactory results was the Mataura. From this river, some good bags were obtained on both the wet and dry fly, but on the Oreti, although there was a pronounced rise of fish in the slack water and glides, the heavier specimens were too wary to be tempted by some expert anglers. The smaller fish were to be caught in the ripples, and the writer has a theory that in the fall of the year, owing to the trout being somewhat heavy in spawn, the strong waters are avoided by the weighty trout and the fly food is captured by these fish where it is comfortable and easy for them, but difficult for the angler. These conditions were very noticeable at Wilson’s crossing and although every pool seemed to contain a good shoal of trout, only the sprats were captured. In this locality, a few trips made, some three months ago disclosed an absence of fish, but the same waters now contain trout. That there is something in a brother angler's theory that 90 per cent of the Oreti trout are searun specimens is apparently worthy of credence. as the few fish 'that were caught, weighing about 11b each, had all the appearance of being fresh up fro'm the sea. To substantiate this statement, it appears that the Estuary fishermen report that three months ago large shoals of trout were seen in the waters of the estuary, but since then they have disappeared. It seems safe to say that they have migrated up the Oreti river, on their annual migratory excursion. Of course, the same contention can also be applied to the Aparima river, which is also now showing a good head of trout, especially in the lower waters.

An interesting paragraph can perhaps be written with reference to the fly life on our various Southland rivers. It can safely be. said that, the past season has shown somewhat advanced ideas by various anglers in Entomology, or the studies of insects, so that some progress can be claimed by these enthusiasts. Perhaps there are some anglers and novices who are not conversant with the process involved in the hatching out of a species of fly. When the conditions are suitable and the minute larvae are ready, the shell-like body rises from the bottom of the river to the, surface, instantly opens, and the fly’s wings open quickly, it sails for a second like a minute ship, rides the water perhaps for a short time, then ventures forth into the air. After its allotted span of life, it returns to the water, sails down with the current, deposits it;, minute eggs, which fall to the bottom of the river among the sand, rocks, mud, moss etc. and the continual flow of the water, friction, in fact, eventually hatches out the particular pattern in due course. And so the process goes on, year in and year out, and it is in regard to the most suitable formation of a river bed, that a special article was published in the F. and 8. Gazette, which was referred to in this column recently. One of the phenomenal -facts established this season particularly, is the extraordinary amount of fly life hatched out regularly on the Mat aura river. That the formation of the river bed is most suitable for the purpose is a fact that will undoubtedly be recognized. There is a wonderful opportunity for some enthusiast who has the necessary time and cash to collect natural specimens and data which would be invaluable .information to be handed on from time to time. Of course, it is understood that this study is being pursued by the officials of the Research committee, but after all it is also an essential study by all fly enthusiasts. As one local angler remarked to the writer, we often catch a good bag of trout, but we cannot explain why, and when the reverse experience is encountered, our knowledge is then apparent by its paucity of data. There is every evidence that the longer we pursue the wily trout, the more we realize that we have a lot to learn before attaining any satisfactory degree of efficiency. My masters “Creel” is inclined to think, that fly fishing especially, will ultimately cultivate a very proper spirit of modesty in the angler. The Oreti river was visited by several rods, but as previously stated, light creels were the order of the day. Among the anglers noticed were Messrs J. W. Smith and party. A. Horman and friend, T. S. Mackie and family, A. Fox, G. and H. Braxton.

In conversation with Mr A. L. Walker he informed the writer that for six days trouting on the Mataura river, he captured a total of 96 fish up to 51b weight, both on the wet and dry fly. Female March Brown was found to be the best killing fly. Fishing the Mataura river at Garston, Messrs W. Thompson and C. Hayes, grassed three brace of fish with the heaviest specimen weighing 21b. On a recent visit to the Waiau River at Rainbow Beach, Mr James Robertson caught three brace of Atlantic Salmon ranging from 111 b. to 4Mb. The fish were all taken on the fly, and provided excellent sport. A pleasing feature of the capture is that the smallest specimen, after being preserved by Mr G. Moffett,, has been forwarder! to Wellington for the purpose of furthering the life history of our salmon, to the study of which, Mr J. R. Hefford is devoting some considerable time. An interesting fact reported by Mr Robertson is that the female fish caught were prominent with ova, and gave every indication of being winter spawners. Anglers, who have studied the waters in the Te Anau district are definitely of the opinion that the Upukarora river is the favourite spawning ground for the salmon, and some of these strongly advocate the reserving of this river as a sanctuary, and prohibiting the fishing entirely. If it is, the habit of pot-hunters to clean out this stream in October, then the proposal suggested should be made law. After all, gradually local anglers and the authorities are beginning to realize that there was something beneficial in the conservation scheme suggested in a leading article in this paper some time

ago. The . Southland Anglers’ Club held a roving competition on April 27, the weighing in being as follows:

The above bags were all taken from the Mataura river and were caught on the wet and dry fly. Voting papers for the election of seven councillors on lhe Southland Acclimatization Society have been posted to the district license holders, and' it is to be hoped that anglers will record their votes, thereby showing an interest in the work of the local society. The bulk of the revenue is derived from the angling fraternity, and their interest should be of paramount importance, and candidates advocating a progressive policy should be supported. A record vote on this occasion is anticipated. As this is the final publication of this column for 1929-30 season, a short resume may be in order. Taking all the factors into consideration, it can be recorded as only fair in many ways. Most of oU'r rivers have shown a, scarcity of fish as compared with some previous seasons. The exception to this contention is the Mataura, but as most of the trout from this river are of a poor culinary quality, there is undoubtedly “the fly in the ointment.” Climatic conditions were of a varied nature, very few week-ends offering really favourable weather. The fall fishing has been somewhat disappointing owing to the low state of the rivers, and a series of “freshes” during the winter should be of vast benefit for next season. Also the intensive stocking of our rivers with fry and fingerlings should be seriously considered by the responsible authorities. That next season some improvement will be shown is the earnest wish of local anglers. “Creel” wishes to thank all contributors of information for publication, and solicits their support for this paper next season. A final word of advice for the novice is the careful laying aside of all gear for future use. Hang the rod up straight on a wall; do not put it in a corner among a lot of old golf clubs. Put the fly book and flies away ip a dry cupboard handy for inspection during the winter months. Unwind, the line from the reel on to a dryer. Oil the reel and smear with deer fat for preservation. Turn the waders inside out and keep them

in a dry place, and dress the wading boots with neatsfoot oii or mutton fat. Do each of these things aid you will be well rewarded for the opening next season.

No. of fish. lb. oz. A. L. Walker .. . .. .. 11 20 0 J. R. Brown .. . 6 10 8 A. L. Whelham ., .. .. <5 10 4 —, — 22 40 12