Fishing in the snow down south

Today saw snow and lots of it any many places around Southland,  and I am sure many other parts of New Zealand and cold Southerly winds continuing to bring snow, hail and sleet showers through much of the day.

Were were up early and had first tracks through the layer of light powder snow on the road to our start spot. The choice was get as far inland as possible and in the headwaters, out of the worst of the weather. The blasts of snow fronts stayed mainly down valley from us and the water had remained clear but bloody cold.

Fishing in the snow down south.

Small but weighted nymph dropper rig  were required as most fish were down deep but feeding. All the trout took 14’s and 16’s and were mostly in good condition bar one big head long fish about 2-3 lbs under weight.

Fish on!

A few people around and about but manners were great today and a we had a couple of good chats along the way.

A good high ridging in for the next 2-3 days so we should have some good light southerly conditions and the small waters and headwaters fisheries are maybe worth a nosy. I haven’t found any of the rivers too slippery, I haven’t had to use the walking stick yet or with much if any sign of easily visible Didymo except for in the Mararoa but even that was pretty reasonable – shit I hate saying that. I am sure it will build a a bit in some areas as summer rolls on. Given the amount of snow in the hills we might be lucky and get a few floods that turn the stones a bit.

Check Clean and Dry!

Tip – It’s cold – wear waders when necessary, layer well and fish with a small pack and a good amount of snacks. I love my William Joseph backpack vest system from Manic Tackle Project – its versatility is great and it its actually a really functional unit for an fly angler – they certainly work for well for me.

Happy Days early season in the snowy south