Backcountry beckons for anglers

It’s nearly that time again! Otago’s backcountry fisheries will open on November 1st, renowned as some of the best in the world, the Otago Backcountry has plenty of diversity to provide anglers with that special wilderness experience.

Backcountry use is carefully monitored and angler satisfaction is surveyed each season. Last year’s end of season survey results identified concern regarding angling pressure on our backcountry fisheries, despite the number of reported angler days decreasing by 21%. This drop was accredited to inclement weather and low flows which restricted optimal angling opportunity.

Despite the reduction in reported angler days, commercial guiding activity in the Otago backcountry showed an increase. Overseas visitors made up 42% of backcountry anglers, emphasising the international significance of the regions backcountry opportunities.

The Department of Conservation recognize potential growth in commercial activity in the Caples and Greenstone valleys and have invested significant resources in upgrading walking tracks in the area. Expansion of the Mid Caples Hut is planned to cater for an anticipated increase in commercial activity within the valleys.

Survey results showed the growing commercialised use of our backcountry fisheries is a concern to some anglers. There have been significant altercations reported between recreational anglers and commercial guides, where guides have claimed exclusivity to water.

Fish and Game Field Officer Clare Morris said “It’s disappointing to learn that appropriate angler etiquette is not always being practiced, this kind of behaviour is just not acceptable. The enjoyment of an entire trip to the backcountry can be jeopardized by one bad encounter.”

Survey results did confirm that the majority of Backcountry anglers were either ‘satisfied’ or ‘very satisfied’ with their backcountry experiences last year.

Officer Morris explained that the main aim of the management of the backcountry is to provide a high quality angling and wilderness experience. A key element is to manage angler pressure within acceptable levels”. As one angler put it.

“I had the river to myself. It was fantastic!!!!! “ (BC Survey 2013)

To have the river to yourself is every anglers dream. However, this is rarely realistic as another angler identified.

“The reality is that any other angler on a back country river is a disappointment. However, that is unreasonable to expect in this day and age. Generally the NZ experience is superb”. (BC Survey 2013)

Fish and Game staff hope anglers enjoy their backcountry angling this season and remind anglers to carry their licence at all times while fishing. Anglers may find it useful to keep a record of their backcountry experiences to refer to when completing the end of season survey.

Anglers are also expected to check, clean and dry all gear before entering, or when moving between waterways to prevent the spread of unwanted freshwater pests.

ENDS

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