Central South Island Weekly fishing report - 7 November 2024

High Country Heroics Amid Challenging Weather

With high hopes and their fly rods at the ready anglers braved challenging conditions on High Country opening day last Saturday across the Central South Island.

Visiting North Island angler Simon Doran joined local friends in the Mackenzie region for what promised to be a memorable High Country opening weekend of angling. Simon found a sheltered, secluded spot to fish on a river.  Simon’s skills with the fly rod shone through as he caught and released several good condition rainbow trout ranging in size up to 4-5lbs.

Pictured above: Simon Doran nets a fine 5lbs rainbow trout during High Country opening morning in the Mackenzie basin. Credit: J Van Beers.

A real highlight of the day came from a skilled local young angler in their group: Jordan Hiroki, Simon’s friend’s 8-year-old stepson. Jordan tried his luck with spinning rod and soft bait and, to his delight, landed his first catch of the high country season—a solid 2.5lb rainbow trout, which he proudly kept.

For Simon, young Jordan, and the many anglers who braved the challenging conditions, the weekend was a test of resilience rewarded by memorable catches. From Saturday’s wild weather to Sunday’s calm, the weekend underscored the magic of high country fishing—a blend of perseverance, camaraderie, and respect for nature’s unpredictability.

The theme over the weekend was certainly the changeable weather anglers had to overcome. Strong northwest winds made casting testing on Saturday, even for the most experienced anglers. By afternoon, a sudden southerly shift delivered a dusting of light snow to areas such as Takapō/Tekapo. Coupled with lingering high flows in rivers from the prior weekends snow melt. This added a touch of high country drama to the weekend.

Then Sunday turned it on! With a calm bluebird day and mild temperatures drawing anglers from far and wide across the Central South Island high country. With improved conditions, anglers spread out over lakes, rivers, and streams, eager to make the most of the day’s promise.

Throughout the weekend, Fish & Game ranger, Jase Van Beers, was active across the Mackenzie region, checking licenses for 20 high country anglers. Ranger Jase’s presence provided a reassuring reminder of the commitment to sustainable angling practices, ensuring all anglers enjoyed their weekend within the regulations that protect this great resource.

Jordan Hiroki, 8yo, with his first fish of the day, proudly kept to feed his family.

Lake Heron Anglers Prove You Don’t Need Perfect Conditions to Reel in Success

Kevin and Tracy Clemins brave the waves on Lake Heron. Credit: Blake Harper.

Lake Heron put determined anglers to the test.

Among them were Kevin and Tracy Clemens, who faced down waves that made the lake resemble the open sea. They caught and released over 20 fish by mid-morning—mostly smaller salmon—proving that true anglers don’t need perfect weather to find success.

One angler even took on the waves with a fly rod, an impressive feat under the conditions. His determination paid off as he hooked a trout, noting how the fish were cruising in close, taking advantage of the stirred-up resources in the shallows.

It was a reminder that sometimes, rough conditions can create unexpected opportunities for those who are willing to adapt and keep casting. This memorable day on Lake Heron highlighted the rugged spirit of High Country fishing.

Fish & Game ranger Blake Harper spoke with 32 anglers around the Ashburton lakes/ Ōtūwharekai area, and nearly all of them managed to reel in a fish or two despite the windswept waters.

Young Anglers Hook Big Memories at 2024 Kids Salmon Fishing Day

Airi Naka, 7yo and dad Tai from Mt Cook were making memories at the Kids Salmon Fishing Day.

The Kids Salmon Fishing Day, generously supported by Mt Cook Alpine Salmon, made a big splash on Saturday, 2nd November.

Although the day started with brisk winds, young anglers were undeterred, casting their lines with excitement as salmon began biting right from the start.

Thanks to Mt Cook Alpine Salmon’s donation of 250 chinook salmon, each weighing around 2.5- 3 pounds, the waters were well-stocked, ensuring a day filled with successful catches and family fun.

‘This year’s event drew a crowd, with over 70 children and their families gathering by the water’s edge.  By lunchtime, the young anglers had reeled in an impressive 75 salmon,’ mentioned Fish & Game ranger and event organiser Nikki Dellaway.

‘Many kids experienced the thrill of their very first catch and no doubt left feeling inspired,’ said Nikki.

Thanks to Kilwell, each participant took home a fishing lure, while a few lucky anglers won spot prizes generously donated by Shaws Hardware and Southern Alps Outdoors.

Even those who didn’t manage to catch a fish had plenty to enjoy, thanks to a sizzling BBQ lunch.  Generous donations of sausages and bread from Chopped Butchery, Twizel Four Square, and Meridian Energy.  We sincerely thank them as it ensured that everyone left with full bellies, if not a fish in hand.

A big thank you goes out to the dedicated volunteers who made the event possible. CSI F&G Councillor Linn Koevoet, his wife Sue, Vicki McKnight, Harvey Metcalf, and volunteer ranger Ben Jones all generously contributed their time and energy, ensuring the day ran smoothly. Their involvement meant that CSI Staff rangers were freed up to visit anglers across the High Country for opening weekend.

South Canterbury Anglers Club members make magic at Lake Alexandrina

Garry Harrisson and Allan Davidson from the South Canterbury Anglers Club with a couple beauty brown trout.

The High Country fishing season opened with excitement at Lakes Alexandrina and McGregor, where Fish & Game honorary ranger Allan Gillespie checked in with over a dozen anglers lining the shores and spotted several boats out on the water across the weekend.

South Canterbury Anglers Club members Garry Harrisson and Allan Davidson stole the show, each landing impressive brown trout—4.6 lbs and 5 lbs—on nymphs.

Allan managed to find time for a cast himself landing a prime 3 lbs brown trout. Allan said, ‘Sunday was a better day and under the conditions the fishing was not too bad at all!’

Allan Gillespie with his prime condition fish caught on a size 18 olive nymph.

Weather and Water Outlook

Another weekend, another low pressure system hitting the West Coast creating spill over to the Canterbury high country.

Current long range weather forecasts across CSI are indicating strong northwest gales Friday and Saturday, easing Saturday night. Inland areas such as Lake Heron are currently forecasted to receive over 40ml of rain on Saturday. Low country weather conditions will be favourable on Saturday.

Lowland rivers are finally subsiding after the big snow dump over labour weekend and volume and visibility is making sight fishing more feasible. Smaller river may provide some of the best conditions for the season right now.

See the ECan river flow rates for the river you are hoping to fish. So, this coming weekend lowland rivers could be worth a revisit.

Be sure to check forecasts on the YR.no forecast website and or Metvuw.com for yourself before committing to heading out.

Notice Board

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.

ECan Wallaby search and control – Waitaki River

 It is intended this work will be undertaken between the Monday 11^th November 2024 – Friday 29^th November 2024 during daylight hours, excluding weekends.

The Tipu Mātoro National Wallaby Eradication Programme will be searching the southern side of the Waitaki River for the control of wallabies. The work will be from the just downstream of Kurow to Borton’s Ponds. There will be firearms & dogs used during this control operation.

Notification of works CRC151363 on the Ōpihi River

The high flows in the Ōpihi River at the end of October have changed the flow path of water in the vicinity of the Levels Plains Irrigation scheme intake, which is situated between Butlers Road and the Waitohi Pleasant Point Road bridge. OWL intended to undertake the work on the afternoon of Friday 8^th November, and may roll into Monday 11^th or Tuesday 12^th if needed.

Bi-Monthly CSI Council Meeting - Thursday 14th November 2024

This is the first meeting of the newly elected CSI Council.
Licence holders and members of the public are welcome to attend.

• Time: 7pm
• Place: 32 Richard Pearse Drive, Temuka.

Please share your angling experiences with us, it helps make our reports engaging and inspiring for everyone!

Email your Reports to Jase, here.

Tight lines!

Rhys & Jase
Central South Island Fish & Game Officers