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Opihi River - South Canterbury
Although today the Opihi often dries up in its middle reaches it was once a premier trout and salmon fishing river. Twenty years ago the Opihi could on occasion yield more salmon to the anglers' rod than the nearby Rangitata River. It is hard to believe that when you see the Opihi today. Although the mouth can be open for a time in early spring it soon closes off. During a dry summer the middle and lower reaches almost disappear dropping to little more than a creek! Such has been the effect of taking water for irrigation!
The Opihi River and its tributaries, Opua, Te Moana, Tengawai and Waihi were once among the most famous trout fisheries in the world. There is still good dry fly fishing to be had in these areas but the flies must be small and the presentation excellent.
The salmon fishing on occasion is still good in the surf. Most angling activity is around the lagoon. Whitebaiting is also popular here in season.
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