ANGLING SEASON

Southland Times, Issue 22012, 11 May 1933, Page 3

ANGLING SEASON

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES. ACCLIMATIZATION COMMITTEE’S REPORT. From the general expression of opinion the past angling season has been a good one. There is no other sport upon which weather conditions have so important an influence, and individual successes and pleasure is always more or less determined by the good fortune or otherwise encountered in the matter of these conditions (states the annual report of the Angling Committee of the Southland Acclimatization Society). Prior to Christmas and during the month of January, the general conditions were good, but since the beginning of February fishing conditions have not been ideal during the period when our streams are usually at their best, and the bigger fish are moving freely. As a result of the society s policy during the past years of heavy and systematic stocking, all our rivers are carrying a large number of fish. In fact, visiting anglers invariably comment on the good fortune of Southland anglers in this, respect. Insofar as the size of the fish is concerned, it can be said that in the more easily accessible streams, the fish are, on the average, smaller than in previous years. This tendency for the size to decrease steadily, goes back for many years and the question will have to be faced very soon as to what can be done to maintain a head of decently sized fish. The position as it is to-day is largely due to the apathy of selfishness of the anglers themselves and it is in their hands to have remedial measures introduced, and the time is opportune for such action in this matter.

The Oreti river still carries a. large number of small fish, especially in the middle and lower reaches. The proportion of good fish is still disappointingly small. The upper waters of the Oreti River from Mossbum on provided good fishing but here too, the size has decreased and there has been a remarkable increase in the number of small fish. This portion was very heavily fished in 1931-32 and the inference is that the killing of the big fish enabled the smaller fish to establish themselves.

The Aparima has been very heavilv fished this season, especially in the middle and lower reaches. Fish have been plentiful, but not always easily caught and limit bags have not been frequent. The fish generally have shown decrease in size and large fish have not been plentiful. Good sport has been obtained in the upper reaches by district and visiting anglers and conditions have improved here. Lumsden anglers report catching rainbow up to 1 Alb on numerous occasions and it would seem that the rainbow liberated here are now establishing themselves and the question of further rainbow stocking will have to be considered.

In our last report we suggested that the Waiau should be carefully investigated and it is pleasing to report that several of our local anglers have done so. In the stretch of water between Clifden and the Wairaki, excellent fishing was obtained. Good bags of fish up to 61b were taken. The fishing was varied, brown and rainbow trout and salmon being caught on minnow, dry and wet fly. It is not too much to say that this river will, with increased accessibility, become a magnificent fishing resort. Except in the lower reaches, the Wairaki is difficult of access, but those who can get to the stream can be certain of good fishing under suitable conditions. Several excellent bags were obtained on this stream.

Lake Mavora and the Mararoa have afforded excellent sport at times and have been heavily fished by visiting anglers. Few reports of fishing in Te Anau and the Eglinton are to hand, and most of these are of an unsatisfactory nature from a fishing point of view. The Makarewa has provided splendid sport with large and wellconditioned fish throughout the season. This is one of our best streams both for day and for night fishing. The Otapiri, Lora, Dunsdale and Hedgphope have provided excellent fly fishing, but here again a gradual decrease in size is apparent. These streams are very heavily fished up till Christmas and under present conditions it would seem to be impossible to maintain fish of any size in the streams The Waimatuku has given exceptional sport this year, yielding an abundance of well-conditioned fish averaging about IJlbs. Large fish are reported to have been taken in the lower reaches. The Mataura is teeming with fish and has rewarded many anglers with splendid fishing. It is one of our best streams. The Otamita and Waimea have also provided good fishing for Eastern District anglers. Of the smaller streams, reports of good fish up to 81bs in weight have come to hand concerning the Pourakino. We are of the opinion that stocking of the streams should continue as at present; and while there may be a difference of opinion as to locality, it is also desirable that efforts be continued to establish rainbow fishing in the district.