Heavy rain has fallen in Otago over the last few weeks, flooding out some of the better fishing spots for Mike Weddell. Photo / 123RF
The week started with high water at best and very high water at worst.
Streams that are usually a trickle were raging torrents close to or above historical flood levels. But it is amazing what a fine, relatively dry week can do. There are many rivers close to being fishable
this weekend and a few that offer a good chance of catching a fish. In the latter category are the Waipahi and the Pomahaka. Other waters worth a look are Lee Stream and the Waiwera.
However, some waters will take weeks rather than days to drop to levels that are normal for this time of year. They include the Taieri, Clutha and Mataura. This is a pity, as the Taieri and Mataura usually have the pick of the fishing leading up to Christmas.
My pick would be the Pomahaka and it should get better over the next few days, followed closely by the Waipahi. Despite the floods there could be hatches of mayfly. These insects evolved in an environment prone to flooding and have adapted to cope with these conditions.
I remember fishing the Mataura once a couple of weeks after a massive flood. It was still above normal and slightly discoloured, but duns hatched, and spinners fell on the water and trout rose freely to them. Trout survive floods, too, and it is mainly small fish that get wiped out - the bigger ones get back to feeding quickly.
