Trout Fishing Season Is Almost Here

The 20/21 sports fishing season is almost upon us and this season is not one to be missed.

Southland residents are spoilt with an abundance of rivers, streams and lakes that are close to main centres, have easy access and healthy trout populations. If you are a beginner angler there is no better place to start your trout fishing journey.

If you are learning to fish, or perhaps returning to the sport after a few years off, our lower rivers should be your first stop. Try the lower Oreti River near West Plains, the Mataura River between Seaward Downs and Gore and the Aparima River near Thornbury. These areas have high trout densities and the trout are not too difficult to catch.

Thanks to Cohen Stewart, Field Officer, Southland Fish and Game for his help with the story. Mal

Darren Wang and Victoria Arreola with two trout caught on the Oreti River near Centre Bush.

When considering techniques for our lower rivers, bait fishing with garden worms or a mussel bait (available from the supermarket) is a great option for deep, slow moving sections of river. Try the basic bait fishing rig in the diagram. If you like lure fishing, try Toby lures (7-10 grams in weight), small bladded spinners or soft baits.

Rainbow Trout Caught On Worsley Soft Bait.

If you are keen on lake fishing, focus your angling effort on stream mouths and shallow lake edges as these are common trout foraging areas. The best times to head out fishing on our lakes is early morning, late afternoon and evening.

Darren Wang and Victoria Arreola with a nice lower Oreti River brown trout caught on a mussel bait

For those anglers that like to fish in remote areas, the current boarder restrictions will create a once-in-a-lifetime angling opportunity. Because there won’t be any international anglers this year, local anglers will have the backcountry to themselves. We suggest anglers be adventurous and try angling in some of our remote rivers.

If you need any guidance on fishing in Southland, feel free to contact Southland Fish and Game on 03 215 9117 or at [email protected] and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.