North Canterbury Weekly Fishing Report - 13th March 2025

Drift Dives of Lewis Pass

Last week, the North Canterbury staff were out drift diving stretches of the Lewis Pass Fishery. The team intends to complete these dives annually to monitor the population and size of the sport fish in these designated waters. The team completed three different dive sections. The two sections on the Boyle River, totalling about 2.5km worth of the river, had the team counting sixty-three large-sized trout over 45cm, three medium-sized trout between 15cm and 45cm and one small trout under 15cm.

The team as they float down the Boyle River

The team also did a much smaller stretch of the Lewis River, only about 900m total, where they saw ten large-sized trout over 45cm and two medium-sized trout between 15cm and 45cm. Overall, the team found that the river was slightly lower than usual as there has been a dry summer in the area. This did not affect the aquatic life in the water as it was erupting with various bugs for the trout to snack on. There were also a couple of native fish spotted, which is great in this area. The team encountered two anglers when drifting down the Lewis River, however, they were expecting the team to be in the area as we had left a truck with a note at a key access point for anglers to view. The anglers were both in good spirits, having a sit down for lunch as the team drifted past! #GoVIKINGS

Looking down the Lewis River before the team drifted down it

Making your intentions clear 

Leaving clear intentions on your car before heading out can make not only your fishing more enjoyable but the fishing of other anglers. A note with something as simple as headed upstream for the day can make all the difference in remote locations as other anglers will now know that this part of the river is occupied by someone else and are more likely to head to another area rather than jumping your beat or fishing behind you for little success. 

a well written note goes a longway to keeping all anglers enjoying their adventures on the river

 

Lower flows mean higher accuracy required. 

The backcountry rivers are currently low and clear, demanding long leaders and a careful approach, as late-season fish have been under pressure for several months. In deeper waters and with cooling temperatures, fish appear more responsive to heavily weighted nymphs. If you're able to spot a fish, fishing without an indicator offers a more natural drift, allows your flies to sink deeper without restriction, and reduces the risk of spooking cautious fish. Stay attentive to any subtle movements from a fish when using this method, as it may indicate the right moment to strike.

During his weekend, Fish & Game Officer Caleb caught this rocket of a brown while talking a break from glassing for deer.

Under these low-water conditions, good spotting opportunities can often be found in areas with bankside vegetation or in gorge-like sections that block glare from the sky, as long as access isn’t a problem of course.

Taking a moment to embrace your surroundings and take in the wild makes your moments much more precious 

During drift diving last week, field staff noted that most fish were found in the deeper runs and pools. These areas are therefore worth targeting when fishing in the backcountry rivers of the North Canterbury region.

 

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Kieran Lee with a tough-looking rainbow trout. Great fish!

 

Jet Smart from Jet Boating NZ

Jet Boating New Zealand has posted an array of information videos outlining safe jetboat practice as well as tips on different types of boats and jets. 

 

View the videos by clicking this link and watching the playlist: Jet Smart NZ - Jet Boating NZ

 

Selwyn District Council Update

The Selwyn District Council has notified North Canterbury Fish & Game that weed cutting in the Ararira /LII river will commence approximately on the 10th of February 2025 and continue through until the end of March 2025. A barrier will be placed on the river 200m downstream of Wolfes Road boat ramp. The work is being completed to meet Environment Canterbury's consent. Should you require more information please contact the Surface Water Team on 347 2800.

Check, Clean, Dry Message 

Check, Clean, and Dry to stop freshwater pests!

Whether you’re out fishing, hunting, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing or boating on Canterbury’s freshwater lakes and rivers this summer, the threat of freshwater pests spreading and invading is very real. 

 

Freshwater pests can ruin valuable ecosystems by stopping the growth of native water plants and reducing habitats for many types of fish. 

The invasion of freshwater pests is a direct result of human activity, so if you plan on going to a lake, river, stream or wetland this summer and move to another within 48 hours, you must clean all your gear that has been wet using the 'Check, Clean, Dry' method. 

Check

Remove any plant matter from your gear and leave it at the site (the river or lake bank), or put it in the rubbish. Don't wash plant material down any drain.

Clean

Use 10% dishwashing detergent mixed with water and leave the item wet for 10 minutes.

Dry

Ensure your gear is completely dry to touch, inside and out, then leave to dry for at least another 48 hours before you use it.

 

Some of the freshwater pest species present in Aotearoa New Zealand exist within our region like Egeria and Lagarosiphon, but many of our lakes and rivers remain pest-free. To help keep it this way, equipment and vessels must be properly cleaned and decontaminated before entering any waterway.  

 

We all have a responsibility to protect our freshwater so remember, even if you can’t see it, if it’s wet, it’s a threat.  

For more information visit https://www.ecan.govt.nz/your-region/your-environment/biodiversity-and-biosecurity/biosecurity/preventing-the-spread-of-pests/check-clean-dry/  

 

Contact Environment Canterbury on 0800 324 636 or email biosecurity@ecan.govt.nz 

Targeted Weed Control Across the North Canterbury Region

North Canterbury Fish and Game has been given notice from Environment Canterbury (ECan) that targeted weed control using helicopters for aerial spraying will be happening across the North Canterbury Region from early February 2025 till the end of March 2025.

The affected rivers will be as follows:

• Chatterton River 
• Hurunui River 
• Waimakariri River
• Rakaia River
• Waikirikiri/Selwyn River

Signage indicating that spraying is underway will be placed at all spray operation refilling stations and public access points. Public access will be restricted during operations. All works are weather dependent. 

Visit this link for more information and detailed maps of targeted control areas: Current River Works ECan

 

Tree clearance works will also begin on the Ōtukaikino Stream downstream of Clearwater Avenue is planned to start on the 17th of February 2025 and is estimated to end by the end of March 2025.

 

Harts Creek Track Closure

The Waihora Ellesmere Trust (WET) have notified North Canterbury Fish & Game that track refurbishment work will begin at Waitātari Harts Creek beginning January 6th. The works are likely to be completed at the end of March 2025. There will be a full track CLOSURE during this period. The track is being given a facelift to improve retaining walls along the creek. They will also widen and level out the track. The Ellesmere Lions Club are overseeing this project. 

For more information, please contact WET here

Weather Update

Christchurch 

#upthewahs

Rakaia

 

Waipara

 

Culverden

 

Hamner Springs

 

Arthurs Pass

 

To help you plan your fishing adventures, be sure to check the following resources:

• E-Can River Flows: River Flow Data
• Outdoor Access Live Cameras: Live Cameras (subscription required)
• MetService Weather Warnings: Weather Warnings

Happy fishing! Stay safe out there!

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Here at North Canterbury Fish & Game, we are extremely passionate about sharing YOUR angling stories. Whether you caught a massive fish or took your girls and boys out fishing for the first time, you want to hear and tell your stories.

When you’re out this season, don’t forget to take some photos or videos and send them to jmeecham@fishandgame.org.nz with a little back story on your angling adventures.

Enjoy the weekend, and tight lines to everyone heading out to the water!

Jackson, Harry, Caleb & the rest of the North Canterbury Team