Decent salmon catches in the Rangitata River have anglers grinning and have raised hopes the fishery is recovering. Yesterday a dozen anglers on the south side of the mouth caught salmon.

Fisherman, and record keeper, PJ Ritchie called it the best season in 10 years.

Last season (November to March) 57 salmon were caught. This year 56 have been caught since New Year's day.

Mr Ritchie was optimistic the recently recommissioned hatchery on nearby McKinnons Stream and the smell of its smolt drew salmon in.

Fish and Game officer Mark Webb said several seasons of increasing runs would signal the fishery was recovering and it was too early to get hopes up. While there were increased numbers of fish he suggested anglers take advantage. All the rivers from the mountains to the coast had good flows for this time of year. Mr Webb said cool water, meant active fish and good fishing.

He expected salmon to soon start travelling up the Opihi.

Mr Ritchie said there was salmon fever at the Rangitata River mouth with up to 50 people fishing at times.

New anglers were welcome, but needed to follow etiquette such as not casting over people playing a fish or crowding anglers already fishing.

Yesterday was ladies day with three women among the successful anglers. Bach owner Sue Parnell from Springston broke a four-year salmon drought on her birthday.

The New Zealand flag was flying over her bach to celebrate.

Her birthday salmon was simply prepared - baked with lemon pepper and home-grown vegetables.

Friend and angler Bill Whipp stays at the huts all season. He also had success. After three hours in the surf he spent 25 minutes bringing in a 9.4kg salmon. Mr Whipp's fish will be smoked at the butcher's and frozen.

While there are more salmon coming into the river this season catching one still isn't easy. Mr Whipp has caught four this season, but most days he is fishing for several hours. On Monday eight hours of fishing went unrewarded.

SOURCE: The Timaru Herald