North Canterbury Weekly Fishing Report - 27th February 2025
- North Canterbury
- 27/03/2025
- Jackson Meecham
With autumn approaching and daylight hours shortening, there’s no need for those early starts to hit the water! As spawning season nears, fish will begin packing on condition, making for some exciting opportunities.
Cooling water temperatures will keep fish active for longer before they retreat to deeper areas. For fly anglers, this is the perfect time to try streamer flies—especially if trout aren’t responding to dry flies or nymphs. As they gear up for spawning, their aggression increases, giving you a better chance at a strike.
If you haven’t ventured into the backcountry for some true wilderness fishing yet, now is a great time. Many non-resident anglers have returned home, and resident anglers are often preoccupied with other pursuits, like the roar or prepping their Maimai for opening weekend.
In exciting news, Lake Roto Kohatu opens for fishing on April 1st! This put-and-take fishery is conveniently located near Christchurch, making it a great option for those short on time but eager to get a line in the water.
Tight lines and happy fishing!
2025 North Canterbury Rangers Competition
With the end of the sea-run salmon season near, Fish & Game Staff, Honorary Rangers are once again running the 2025 Rangers Competition! The competition will be held on the 17th of April on the North Side of the Waimakariri at Kairaki Beach. More details can be found at this link: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/follow-the-fish/fishing-news/2025-north-canterbury-rangers-competition
See you there!
Salmon Card Returns
As the salmon season nears its end, we are requesting that salmon cardholders return their salmon cards. Regardless of whether you have been out salmon fishing or caught fish, we still require a returned salmon card.
Please either post your card to the North Canterbury Fish & Game at PO Box 50, Woodend 7641 or fill out this online form, which only takes a minute to do: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/fishing-licences-and-regulations/sea-run-salmon-season-bag-limit/sea-run-salmon-return-form-2024-2025
Final week of weekly fishing reports
This is our final week of weekly fishing reports. Next month, we will provide a mid-month update on the 17th of April, where we will provide a similar type of update and also talk about recent events and upcoming things within the region.
Want to check out weekly fishing reports from past weeks?
Think you may have missed a report or want to go back and look at some of the details and advice we have provided in previous weeks...
CLICK HERE TO VIEW ALL NORTH CANTERBURY WEEKLY FISHING REPORTS
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
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!
Get involved this season!
Jump online and get your licence the easy way - it only takes a minute. Click the image above to get started.
Want to contribute to the weekly fishing reports?
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