Central South Island Weekly fishing report - 21 November 2024
- Central South Island
- 21/11/2024
Discovering the Fishing Potential of CSI Lakes
New CSI Fish & Game Ecologist, Blake Harper, discovers and highlights Lake Alexandrina (Lake Alex) and Lake Tekapo/Takapō as quality alternatives for those seeking action.
Anglers flocking to New Zealand’s famed canal systems for big fish can often overlook the surrounding nearby lakes, but Blake suggests these waters deserve a closer look when sometimes anglers are just not getting the rub of the green at the canals.
Last weekend Blake and some mates spent time fishing these lakes, with notable success on a black and gold 10g Toby spinner and a similarly coloured 10g rattle snake lure.
“Lake Alex was particularly rewarding,” Blake shares. Blake landed a solid 4½ lb rainbow trout and hooked into three more hard fighting fish, though they managed to shake free.
Pictured above: Fish & Game Ecologist Blake Harper with a feisty 4.5 lb rainbow trout caught and released at Lake Alexandrina.
Moving to Lake Tekapo/Takapō, they found the fishing equally rewarding. Fishing from a jet ski made for a unique experience. Over the session, he caught four trout ranging from 2–3 lb and a 2½ lb salmon.
“These fish were strong, healthy and thrilling to catch. It just shows the quality fishing that is on offer at some of our lakes,” Blake says.
Blake recommends focusing on structure within the lakes. "Pay attention to drop-offs, weed beds, and inflow streams. These areas tend to hold feeding fish. The black and gold colour scheme was particularly effective, likely because it mimics small fish present in these waters such as bullies."
For anglers facing a challenging day at the canals, shifting focus to lakes like Alexandrina and Tekapo/Takapō might be a rich alternative. Remember that regulations will differ at lakes so please read up on up-to-date regulations, here.
We Want to Hear Your Angler Stories
Whether it's a memorable trip, helpful techniques, a successful lure, or even a favourite recipe, we’d love to feature your contributions.
A tidy, respectful landscape (horizontal) photo makes for a professional presentation.
Every story helps inspire and engage the CSI angler community. Please email Jase at jvanbeers@fishandgame.org.nz with anything you feel will be of interest.
Adapting Saltwater Techniques for Freshwater Success
Saltwater sinking stickbaits being used in CSI waters prove successful for Andrew Susani from Australia.
For angler Andrew Susani, experimenting with fishing techniques is half the thrill.
On a recent family trip to New Zealand, he brought along a compact setup—a 1-3kg travel rod, a 2500 Exist reel, and a selection of 6cm sinking stickbaits—hoping to make the most of any lakeside stays.
Despite this not being a fishing-focused trip, Andrew’s approach demonstrated how his saltwater experience back home in Australia could translate beautifully to new freshwater environments.
Back in Queensland, Andrew often targets species like giant trevally, coral trout, and emperor fish with small, slow-sinking stickbaits. With subtle twitches, these can create a realistic darting motion, mimicking live baitfish often more effectively than traditional minnows or spoons.
At Lake Ruataniwha, Andrew found success around the dam’s secluded rock wall, especially in deeper water. In challenging conditions with rising wind, he landed a 9lb salmon. Returning later in calmer conditions, he caught another smaller salmon, solidifying his belief in the stickbait’s freshwater potential.
Andrew’s New Zealand adventure highlighted how innovative saltwater strategies can open new freshwater experiences. With stunning backdrops and plentiful fish, he’s already planning a return trip—this time with an arsenal of small stickbaits to explore more lakes and rivers.
A 9lb pristine Lake Ruataniwha salmon caught using a slow-sinking stickbait.
Hydro Canal Fish Release
Fish & Game staff, salvage stranded trout ready to be tagged and released into the canals. Credit: George Empson.
Over the past week Fish & Game staff have relocated stranded fish from the Tekapo / Takapō spillway to the canals. With the help of Genesis, we moved 31 fish to the Tekapo Canal / Takapō and 32 fish to the Ōhau C Canal.
All were tagged for the purpose of monitoring the growth and movement of fish of Lake Tekapo origin in the Tekapo Canal / Takapō. The tagging project at the Tekapo Canal / Takapō has been in place for over four years – check out this YouTube video to see how we recover and tag the fish before release into the Tekapo Canal / Takapō.
If you catch one of the tagged fish, please report your catch to us – the key piece of information we are after is the four digit tag number, estimated weight, location and date caught. Phone 03 615 8400 or email csi@fishandgame.org.nz if you have any questions or feedback.
If you catch a tagged trout, please report your catch on our online form, here.
The fish released are a bit smaller than your typical target at the canals but would make a good option for new anglers and kids who value just catching a fish above catching big fish.
We have had a report of one angler catching a tagged fish so far from this release.
The Governments New Access Charter
Rangitata Terrace Road Access.
So, what’s it all about?
The Access Charter for Recreational Hunting and Fishing on Public Conservation Land ensures fair, safe, and responsible access for all New Zealanders.
It was developed collaboratively with DOC, stakeholders and other agencies. Minister Todd McClay announced the charter on 2 November 2024.
It guarantees public access to conservation land and waters, supports consistent permitting and licensing procedures, and provides clear information on regulations, safety, and access routes.
The charter emphasises safety, environmental protection, cultural respect, and balancing recreation with conservation goals. Hunters and anglers must follow all rules, including obtaining permits, adhering to catch limits, and respecting other users and the environment.
CSI Fish & Game are committed to maintaining access, maintaining relationships that foster this access for anglers and hunters, and providing up-to-date resources to ensure an enjoyable and sustainable outdoor experience.
A Message From Meridian Energy
Fences and barriers are erected near power stations to keep you safe from emergency discharges like this pictured.
Summer is nearly here and there are a few things to remember when you’re out and about near our canals and hydro assets:
- Remember to park safely, well clear of the roadway and in designated parking areas.
- The rocks on the edge of the canal are super slippery and the canals quickly reach a 10M depth. Please be careful.
- Don’t climb fences around our structures – the fences are there to keep you safe.
- Take it easy when walking down the side of the canals - it’s easy to slip, fall and break something.
- Our hydro station’s water intake and discharge areas have fast flowing aerated water, undercurrents and unpredictable water releases. Please follow the safety information on our safety signs.
Enjoy the canals and hydro assets safely over the summer!
Happy fishing!
Weather and Water Outlook
ECan river flow rates are showing that most rivers and streams across CSI are currently running back down at, or near usual levels making fishing these waterways a viable option this coming weekend. Check the ECan river flow rates, here.
Predicted long range weather forecast for the weekend on the YR.no forecast website as of Thursday morning are as follows:
Low Country/Temuka
- Saturday, 23 November will be mostly cloudy with light rain in the morning, temperatures ranging from 9–11°C, minimal precipitation, and light to gentle breezes shifting from west to southeast throughout the day.
- Sunday, 24 November will be mostly cloudy during the day, transitioning to fair weather in the evening; temperatures will range from 8–20°C, with calm conditions in the afternoon and a gentle breeze from the northeast by evening.
High Country/Twizel
- Saturday, 23 November will start with clear skies in the early morning, becoming cloudy by midday, with partly cloudy conditions in the afternoon and evening; temperatures will range from 4–14°C with light to gentle breezes shifting from the southwest to northeast.
- Sunday, 24 November will feature cloudy skies throughout the day with fair weather in the evening; temperatures will range from 6–18°C, with winds shifting from a light breeze in the northeast and east during the morning to a gentle breeze from the west by evening.
In our opinion long range forecasts are currently predicting a relatively settled weekend according to the Metvuw website as well, making it a perfect opportunity to enjoy the last week of Spring.
We value your input. Let us know if you like this weather and water outlook format, here. Your feedback helps us improve!
Notice Board
Department of Conservation - Grey Willow control at the Ashburton Lakes
Aerial spraying of grey willow in the Ashburton Lakes area will take place on one or two days between November 23rd and December 20th – we are seeking clarification on exact dates and will let you know in the Weekly Fishing Report ASAP along with further information.
Upper Ahuriri River and lagoons remain closed
The Ahuriri River and tributaries upstream of and including Longslip Creek remains closed until Saturday the 7th of December. This includes the lagoons and tarns. The regulations for the Ahuriri River are listed on page 8 of the CSI Sports Fishing Regulations 2024/25, here.
Please remember to share your angling experiences with us, it helps make our reports more engaging and inspiring for everyone! Please email your reports to Jase, here.
Tight lines!
Rhys & Jase
Central South Island Fish & Game Officers