With the increase in angler numbers and those entering our sport, it stands to reason that angler encounters are becoming more common. Nobody likes to come across another party fishing their intended water, however it pays to bare in mind that the majority of encounters are purely accidental - not everyone intends to jump your water.
In particular in the south, the upper reaches of the Mataura and Oreti rivers receive immense pressure, although luckily, these are waters which are able to withstand almost daily angler visits. On these, and other waters, encounters can be kept to a minimum, and of a friendly nature if certain local rules are followed, and consideration is given to others on the stream before you.
1. Do not drive down through private paddocks where Fish and Game angler accesses are available. These are set apart at often strategic locations to allow enough water for all, and to let others know the whereabouts of other anglers. Nothing is more discouraging than to walk across a paddock after leaving the vehicle at an official angler's access point only to find someone who has driven down the other side, through a private track. In such situations, I would hope that those who have not accessed the river via the accepted F&G access are very accommodating towards those who have. If you encounter this, please notify your local F&G department.
2. It is seen as poor form to 'jump' somebody on the river, that is, to enter the river ahead of those already there before you.
If you arrive at an access and there is a car already there, first check the windscreen for a sign noting the anglers direction of travel (upstream or down) and fish accordingly. If you can see the angler on the river, why not pop over and have a chat and find out their intentions for the day - you might make a new friend, and you can then be certain you are not encroaching upon their chosen water. If you wish to walk downstream from an angler's access point be mindful of others fishing up from the next access below. I personally will drive by the next access downstream to check for cars, and if there are already anglers there, I will be mindful of how far downstream from the upper access I will walk. I don't believe that fish will spook for the entire day, and think that a couple of hours will bring them right again (On the Mataura, new fish will often come out to feed within 15 minutes of a pool being disturbed). However, its never fun to see another angler in the distance, so please bare this in mind.
3. Leave your intentions in the windscreen. This is a good practice no matter where you fish, to give others an indication of your whereabouts and how long ago you left.
An example could be "2 anglers fishing upstream - 7am departure."
This tells latecomers that you are upstream of the vehicle and that the downstream beat is free. It also suggests to those who may arrive later in the morning that you have started a few hours earlier, and if they choose to follow you upstream, the fish have been rested for a known period of time. Even on the likes of the Oreti - a couple of hours is all that is required for a pool to come right after one has fished through, as many local anglers will attest. Please note, latecomers are not to try and cut in ahead, and all consideration should be given to those on the river first.
Communication is the key, and there is more than enough water for people to fish as long as they take others into consideration, and leave accurate directions. Gone are the days of having many miles of river to oneself, particularly on our better known waters. For example, the Mt Nicolas bridge access on the upper Oreti can happily accommodate two angling parties - one beginning at the Ashton confluence and another fishing up from the top of the Narrows. By the time the bottom group passes the Ashton stream, the river will have had ample time to rest.
Take the time to talk with others on the river and be tolerant of those who do inadvertently jump in ahead of you - it may be a genuine mistake, or someone who is not cultured with our local whims and courtesies. If however you believe it to be a blatantly intentional act, report the vehicle registration to Fish and Game so they are aware of the problem. In this situation I like to get my head down, ignore those ahead of me and hit those areas which many anglers overlook: Fast water, hard to reach banks etc, and make as much noise as possible with each fish hooked. There's nothing like Karma to improve the mood of ones day.
Fish slower and you will see more fish, and work what water you do have at an efficient pace - it isn't a race to the headwaters people - we are in this game for the enjoyment!
November '08
Chris Dore is a South Island guide and trout fiend based in Queenstown.