North Canterbury Backcountry fisheries
In 2020 four rivers in North Canterbury that have been designated as Backcountry fisheries, this is to protect and maintain the angling experience in these fantastic rivers.
Hurunui River South Branch Backcountry Fishery
Open Season: 1 Oct - 30 Apr
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1
Fish length: No licence holder shall be in possession of a sports fish which exceeds a maximum length of 400mm.
Reach: Upstream of the confluence with the North Esk River.
Access: Access to the Hurunui River South Branch backcountry fishery is by permission through Esk Head or Lake Taylor Stations. Both stations are accessed from Lake Sumner Road
Green: Open to all licence holders (including day licences)
Orange: Open to holders of a Backcountry Endorsement only.
Hurunui River North Branch Backcountry Fishery
Open Season: 1 Oct - 30 Apr
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1
Fish length: No licence holder shall be in passion of a sports fish which exceeds a maximum length of 400mm.
Reach: Approximately 500m upstream from Lake Sumner. Marked with a sign at or about coordinate BU22 3088 7229.
Access: Walking or mountain biking access from the carpark just past Loch Katrine at the end of Lake Sumner Road. Walking access is also available on the Hope/Kiwi DOC track from Windy Point.
Green: Open to all licence holders (including day licences)
Orange: Open to holders of a Backcountry Endorsement only.
Hope River Backcountry Fishery
Open Season: 1 Oct - 30 Apr
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1
Fish length: No licence holder shall be in passion of a sports fish which exceeds a maximum length of 400mm.
Reach: Upstream of the confluence with the Boyle River.
Access: Walking access from the Windy Point carpark on State Highway 7. The Hope River can also be accessed from The Hope/Kiwi track from Lake Sumner.
Green: Open to all licence holders (including day licences)
Orange: Open to holders of a Backcountry Endorsement only.
Waiau River Backcountry Fishery
Open Season: 1 Oct - 30 Apr
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1
Fish length: No licence holder shall be in passion of a sports fish which exceeds a maximum length of 400mm.
Reach: Upstream of the confluence with the Hope River.
Access: 4WD access is provided to the river either from Malings Pass or Edwards Pass. A combination for a locked gate is required from the Department of Conservation. 4WD access is only provided to the river, from there licence holders are required to walk or mountain bike. Both 4WD tracks are accessed from Tophouse Road. Visit link below for details.
Green: Open to all licence holders (including day licences)
Orange: Open to holders of a Backcountry Endorsement only.
Compliance
Fish & Game will have a strong presence in these rivers this season. Non-compliance with the new regulations is an offence under the Conservation Act and subject to a maximum fine of NZ$5,000.00.
Monitoring
It is expected a short web-based questionnaire will be sent to all backcountry licence holders to evaluate their backcountry experience. Please be sure you have provided your correct email address. Your email address will be confidential and is strictly for Fish & Game survey purposes only. We look forward to the co-operation of all anglers and your assistance to help manage this unique fishery for current and future licence holders.
Etiquette for Backcountry Anglers
Respect fellow anglers and remember they arrived at the river with the same expectations as you.
Never ever cut in front of other anglers regardless of how desperate you are to get to the water.
If fishing solo, invite an angler you meet to fish with you or share the available water. You may both learn something.
Use a quality line which strikes a balance between strength and visibility so that fish can be landed smartly. Do not play fish excessively
When releasing fish, do so with great care and try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible.
For further information contact northcanterbury@fishandgame.org.nz