RIVERS HIGH AT WEEK-END

Southland Times, Issue 23141, 6 March 1937, Page 21

RIVERS HIGH AT WEEK-END

POOR CONDITIONS FOR ANGLING

(By

“Matuku”)

Last week-end as usual the rivers were high and generally unfishable. As pointed out, however, the rain streams are generally clear and even though high may provide a certain amount of sport. On the Makarewa at Diamond’s on Sunday a few good fish were to be found rising and a small dry fly carefully presented proved successful. The Makarewa was fairly high and the fish were difficult to reach as it was impossible to wade. These fish average about 21b and are in splendid condition and give thrilling sport on a 3X or 4X cast.

Similarly on the Waihopai between Woodlands and Kennington a few fish were caught in the flooded waters over the week-end. In these rain-fed streams the fish seem to rise to nymphs and surface flies as a change of diet from the worms which they get in the flooded waters. The most favourable conditions for fly fishing are when the overhead conditions are calm and warm. Most anglers are agreed that the present season has been almost a close season for trout and that next year should see an improvement in angling conditions. In the rain-fed streams, such as the Makarewa and its tributaries, the Waimea and the Waimatuku, the fish seem to be numerous and to have increased in size Reports also indicate that the Oreti contains better fish than usual, but it has been generally so high and dirty that it is difficult to get accurate information as to the fish available. The Mataura has been clear enough for fishing only for one or two very short periods this season and the fish then proved as numerous as in the past and easy to catch on the dry fly. Probably if the river remained clear they would soon become educated. Easter Angling

Anglers will now be looking forward to Easter angling.to make up for the disappointments of the last few weeks. Provided the weather improves and the streams become low, good sport should be obtained from now on. Easter is earlier than usual this year and this will favour the angler and give longer days for sport. Almost any of the streams, if low and clear, should provide good sport at Easter. If the weather is fine conditions can be quite pleasant for camping, and anglers can enjoy a fishing and camping holiday. The upper Mataura about Garston, the Waikaia above Waikaia township and the Pomahaka above Tapanui are all pleasant camning and fishing spots and can be relied on to provide good sport either with the dry Or wet fly. The Orawia, the Makarewa and its tributaries and the Wyndham are nearer at hand and are well worth a visit. Visitors to Te Anau and the Eglinton should take their rods. The Waiau between Lake Te Anau and Manapouri is well stocked with salmon

and rainbow and these fish will be in good condition at Easter and should provide good sport. The salmon should be running up the Eglinton at Easter, and it is always possible for an angler there to get a ten-pounder. A few salmon of 10 and 121 b are caught each year in the Eglinton traps in the spawning season and there seems no reason why a few of these fish should not be obtained by anglers. Anglers in the Eglinton should ndt expect many fish. If they get two or three in an afternoon they should be satisfied. For the dry fly angler who is after large brown trout there is the Mararoa, the Oreti above Mossbum or the Waiau about Clifden or Monowai. A large dry fly such as a No. 8 or No. 10 Peveril or a Dark Red Spinner will account for the large fish in these rivers.

In recent notes reference has been made to the literature of angling and the books available in the Invercargill Public Library. Reference should be made to a book recently added, “Trout Fishing from all Angles,” by Eric Taverner. This book has been recently published and in a review is referred to as the best all-round book on brown trout fishing that has appeared in this generation. A perusal of the book certainly justifies this encomium. If an angler were limited to one book on his sport this would certainly be the book that he would choo’se. There is hardly an aspect of angling or the life history of the fish, the literature of angling, and fly dressing that has not been adequately dealt with in this book. It contains 430 pages packed full of practical, sound, scientific information on angling. Effect of Side-Puli Some of the tips in this book are well worth repeating. For instance, referring to the effectiveness of sidepull in playing the trout he has the following remarks to make: “Side-strain properly applied will turn any trout and often be the means through which an anvler has been able to prevent it going to the place from which he has excellent reasons to keep it, such as a heavy weed-bed, a snag, or the far side of low bridges spanning the stream. As a fish swims with the lateral undulations of its body it is clear that the side-strain of the rod added to the undulation of the body in the same direction together constitute a bias which is irresistible and the head comes round. Side-strain is applied by lowering the rod to a horizontal position, and carrying it back over the land and putting the fullest strain possible upon the side of the fish nearest the angler’s bank, until the fish turns."

Referring to netting another man’s fish, he gives the following advice which will be heartily approved by most anglers of experience: “I do not advise any man to volunteer to gaff or net another’s fish. It is far wiser to wait until one is asked. Some men including myself like landing their own fish; because there is a great satisfaction in bringing a job to a successful end. There are a few who are content that another should attempt to land a fish for them and, should the fish come unstuck do not unfortunately scruple to blame the man who is trying to help them. Give help, therefore, when it is demanded, but do not throw either your help or your advice about broadcast.”