IMMEDIATE RELEASE - 16/02/ 2015

Marlborough salmon season underway – Fish & Game

It’s that time of year when the salmon begin turning up in the South Island’s East Coast rivers to the delight of local anglers, and Marlborough anglers are sharing in the thrills this season.

Fish & Game has fielded numerous calls and emails since the beginning of February, as salmon have been observed and caught throughout the Wairau River system.

“Historically there has always been a small salmon run in the Wairau River, which has remained relatively unknown,” says Blenheim-based Fish & Game Field Officer Vaughan Lynn.

Fish & Game believes that the run has increased over the last decade and more anglers have become aware of it and are now targeting the species. Mr Lynn adds that “from spawning counts over last seven years and catch reports, Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game staff estimate the annual Wairau salmon run to be around 400-600 fish, and up to 1000 fish in a good year.”

Blenheim angler Daniel Bothwell was lucky enough to land two salmon in one outing, weighing 12 and 14lbs respectively, and commented: “It’s great to see these big, powerful salmon turning up in our region, as it offers local anglers a great thrill when they hook up and feel the power of these magnificent fish.”

Mr Bothwell has been back out on the river twice since - for an hours fishing each time - and hooked and lost salmon on both occasions.

Reports of salmon being caught at the Clarence River mouth have also been received by Mr Lynn, who adds that “any angler wanting to target the salmon should hit the water from now, anytime over the next six weeks.”

Note to editors:

Salmon fishing on the Wairau River is permitted downstream of the SH63 Wash Bridge. The river is closed to salmon fishing above Wash Bridge.

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