Teams of rangers have been on the region’s rivers and lakes over the Christmas and New Year break, checking angler compliance.
Nina Hennig and Blake Harper have been employed to bolster the staff and honorary rangers frequenting popular fishing destinations and boat ramps in the Central Otago and Lakes districts.
Ms Hennig and Mr Harper will continue their roles for the next few weeks, offering advice and ensuring anglers are following the rules.
They are also surveying anglers about their catches to improve knowledge for fisheries management.
Otago Fish & Game field officer Ben Sowry said despite variable weather at the start of the holiday period, anglers from around the country were enjoying some stunning summer days in the region.
Compliance had been excellent with more than 97% of anglers checked over a two-week period fishing legally.
“Most anglers were licensed and using legal fishing methods over the holidays,” Mr Sowry said.
“Unfortunately, a small number of anglers were found fishing without a current sports fishing licence, which is the most common offence we encounter.”
Fishing reports have varied, with people experiencing a variety of successes in the region.
“Trout fishing has been patchy in the lakes, with higher water temperatures making fish seek deeper and cooler water,” Mr Sowry said.
“Boat anglers wanting to increase their odds should focus their efforts to early mornings, or target deeper water with lead lines and downriggers.”
Fly anglers have reported a shift in trout’s diet towards willows grubs in rivers and around lake edges, as well as some fish taking cicada patterns.
Dark-coloured soft bait and spinners have been successful both off the shore and off the boat focusing around weed edges or stream mouths.
By: Staff reporter
Credit: Source link
