Central South Island Weekly fishing report - 28 November 2024

Donna Mealings lands a stunning 4lb rainbow trout during a beautiful evening on Lake Benmore.

Progress in Hakataramea Braided River Management

The Hakataramea Sustainability Collective (HSC) has recently completed significant restoration work along the Hakataramea River, focusing on removing invasive willows and weeds between Homestead Stream and Bluestone Creek. This initiative brings clear benefits to the angling community.

By clearing dense willow growth, previously inaccessible sections of the river are now open, providing anglers with easier access.  The improved accessibility allows for greater exploration and enjoyment of the river, enhancing your overall fishing experience.

Key actions included spraying willows to prevent regrowth, cutting trees and piling them for controlled burning to avoid downstream debris movement.  These efforts opened the river fairway, enhancing flow and bed mobility.

Collaboration with local landowners and stakeholders, including CSI Fish and Game and Environment Canterbury, ensures long-term monitoring and weed management. The work was funded through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Productive and Sustainable Land Use (PSLU) project.

This project enhances the Hakataramea River’s ecosystem health, benefiting both the environment and the community for generations to come.

Angler Martin Clements, enjoying the Hakataramea River.

Update - Access Map Central South Island

Our Access Map Central South Island has had a useful update.

We now provide a satellite layer! Click here to check it out!

You can now change between Outdoor Streets layer and Satellite Streets layer by selecting the option in the top left-hand corner of the screen.  We recommend that you create a short-cut to this map on your phone or computer.

Currently the map still requires a phone signal or Wi-Fi to access.

Check out the new satellite access map layer.

Bird Flu, What’s Happening?

Whilst this is a weekly fishing report, birds including migratory birds nesting on braided riverbeds and waterfowl on lakes are a common sight for anglers across CSI waterways, so this information may certainly be relevant in the future.

New Zealand has never had a case of high pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI), also known as bird flu, but the H5N1 strain spreading overseas could arrive here through migratory birds.

Fish & Game is working with MPI to ensure our sector is involved in preparedness should HPAI arrive here. MPI will be the lead government agency in a response if HPAI reaches New Zealand.

The most obvious sign of HPAI in wild birds is several sick or dead birds in a group.

Avoid handling sick or dying birds and practice good hygiene if you must handle wild birds.

Avian influenza viruses rarely infect people but it’s important to minimise any risk.

Report any find of 3 or more sick or dead birds in a group to the exotic pest and disease hotline 0800 80 99 66.

See more detailed food safety advice and information for hunters on the MPI website and the Avian influenza information for game bird hunters – factsheet

How to Safely Release a Caught Fish

Use these careful catch-and-release techniques:

• Cool your hands and landing net by wetting them before touching the fish.
• Keep the fish in the water while removing the hook.
• Do not squeeze the fish and never touch the gills.
• Photograph the fish in or over the water. Do this quicky as the fish should be out of the water for  no more than 5 seconds.
• Revive the fish facing into the current until it regains swimming strength.

Summer is approaching, bringing warmer temperatures to the Mackenzie Country.

This week, temperatures have reached up to 27°C, prompting anglers around the canals to seek shade early in the week.The upcoming final weekend of spring looks promising, with a dominant high-pressure system expected to move in tomorrow, suggesting favorable weather conditions.

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, 30 November will be mostly cloudy with a high of 15°C and a low of 11°C, accompanied by light to moderate breezes from the north and southeast. By evening, skies will clear with gentle easterly breezes settling in overnight.
• Sunday, 1 December will feature clear skies in the morning with a low of 10°C and light breezes from the west. The afternoon will bring partly cloudy conditions with a high of 18°C and gentle southeasterly breezes persisting into the evening.

High Country/Twizel

• Saturday, 30 November will begin with light breezes from the northeast and a low of 9°C. By midday, gentle breezes will shift to the north as skies clear, with a high of 20°C and calmer conditions into the evening.
• Sunday, 1 December will start with calm winds and a low of 9°C under clear skies. By afternoon, light northeast breezes will accompany partly cloudy conditions and a high of 19°C, with clear skies and gentle breezes continuing into the evening.

The majority of CSI river and stream flow rates are currently at regular levels for the time of year. Check the ECan river flow rates, here.

Keep in mind that the Waitaki River flow is mainly controlled through the Waitaki Dam and the river flow level is unpredictable as it is dependent on electricity demand and catchment level water management.  We recommend checking ECan’s Waitaki  flow website here before you go and during your trip to the Waitaki River. 

Jump to the Outdoor Access website to view livestream video of local areas, here.

Notice Board

Grey Willow control at the Ashburton Lakes – Department of Conservation

Aerial spraying of grey willow in the Ashburton Lakes area will take place on one or two days between November 23rd and December 20^th – 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.