Fishing report for the North Canterbury Region Friday 20th March 2020

Hello and welcome to the North Canterbury region fishing report, well a lot has changed in a week. 

It seems that everyday movements in public are being more restricted. 

We were going to be holding our annual rangers’ competition at the Waimakariri mouth next week. 

We have now decided that this event will not go ahead. 

Right: The Hurunui River

We are still encouraging anglers to go outdoors and enjoy their fishing, but now is not the appropriate time to be running competitions and encouraging social gatherings.

Fishing is still something that people can partake in that presents a low risk of spreading Covid 19. 

As long as social distancing practices are adhered to, back country anglers will have no problems adhering to this.

All the rivers are currently running low and clear.  There is a North West front forecast for the weekend which looks as if it may bring some heavy rain to the main divide Saturday evening. 

Any rise in the main alpine rivers will probably be a small fresh that will reach the lower areas by Sunday afternoon. 

This still leaves plenty of opportunity to get out for a salmon fish. 

Remember there are only two weekends left for sea run salmon fishing as the season draws to a close at the end of March. 

Back country fishing will be challenging this weekend as the front moving up the country will mean that it will be wet and windy. 

Friday afternoon and Saturday morning will be the best opportunity.  The same applies with the high-country lakes which will experience strengthening winds Saturday evening.

Noticeboard

Jetboat Racing

Heading into next week, The New Zealand Jet Boat River Racing association are holding a race on the Rakaia River river on the 26^th of March. 

This will be from the lagoon to the gorge bridge from 9am to 3pm.

Then there is a race on the Waimakariri River from State Highway One to the Waimakariri Gorge on the 27^th of March.  This will also be from 9am to 3pm.

For more information visit https://www.nzjbrra.co.nz/

Recreation Survey

Lincoln University is conducting research about outdoor recreation in the Selwyn District. If you have been camping, tramping, swimming, fishing, mountain biking or undertake any outdoor recreation activities in nature within Selwyn, are a NZ resident and are over 18, we would love to hear from you!

Follow the link below to a ten minute survey, and please feel free to share with keen recreationists who you think might be interested (the survey runs until the end of March, 2020).

http://lincoln.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_ctPfiFxpP6xdDRX  

Tight lines

Tony Hawker

North Canterbury Fish & Game Council