THE FISHING SEASON.

Press, Issue 14828, 20 November 1913, Page 2

THE FISHING SEASON.

IX SOUTH CANTERBURY

"(PKOM A COItRESrOKDENT.)

In "spite of the high water, fnir sport has been obtained on some of the South Canterbury fly streams, particularly in the Ohapi, Orari, and Waihi; but naturally matters were not so satisfactory as iii the previous week. At the present hour most of -.no streams and rivers are in fresh from the heavy rainfall, and if the rain continues they will very soon be in flood. However, this is not especially undesirable, for most probably it will mean a big run of trout iuto the higher waters; and con-so-nuc-ntlv some very li-shing when the waters run down to their proper level. At least the floous will favour those aiiKlcrs who can fish only during the Christmas holidays, and this year their prospect should be unusually bright. Up to date, the most killing flies havo included the red upright, rod quill, Groenwell. rod Governor, Hardy's favourite, and Coachman. A few years ago very much was heard of Coopers Creek, from which stream baskets of sixty or more trout frequently were recorded. Then tbe creek ceased running during a hot autumn, and a few mouths later was restocKed with several thousand fry. These have grown and increased wonderfully, until at this moment there are probably more trout than ever in the stream. They rise rather capriciously, but when they are on tho feed it is easy to equal former takes. Among tlie rest a couple of thousand rainbows were liberated, but as yet not any of tnese have been recaptured. At about the same time two thousand rainbow fry were put into the Upper Orari, and thtee have 'been caught which weighed between four and sis pounds each. The disappearance of was not a matter of great mystery, for a week after _ney were liberated, an old brown trout weighing five pounds was caught with a spinning bait near, the place, and on being got ready for cooking he was found to contain elevrn of the voting rainbows, and moro fragments which may have represented others. "With such enemies at hand it is not surprisincc that rainbows did not increase greatly in the Orari. but in the Hae tc Moana. which holds fewer large trout, they were rno**e successful. Ono aneler has landed more than twenty, and amonc them were three yearlings, which mnst have been bred in the stream. TTlese were returned safely, and it i s possible that the experiment of .team stockine mis water might be well repaid.