Weekly Fishing report for the North Canterbury Region Friday 22nd December 2017

Hello and welcome to the North Canterbury region fishing report, the weather this weekend looks to be largely settled again. 

The calmest day is tomorrow, Sunday will start off calm but NW winds will start to develop up country in the afternoon, this leaves a good window to get some fishing in before Christmas day. 

All of the rivers will be fishable this weekend, the main alpine rivers are now getting low and clear, especially the Hurunui and Waiau. 

This presents some fantastic opportunities for trout anglers to explore the middle and lower reaches of these rivers for sighted fishing. 

Most of the year, these rivers are too big to negotiate, however, with the low flows at the moment some new parts of the river can be explored.

Salmon continue to be caught on all the main rivers, upriver anglers will start to struggle with the clarity so definitely first and last light are your best chance. 

It looks as if there might be some rain early next week which will bring a welcome fresh to these rivers.

Unfortunately, we are still awaiting the results from MPI on the trout from the Waimakariri lakes. 

Therefore Lakes Lyndon, Pearson, Grasmere, Sarah, Hawdon and Marymere will remain closed as a precaution. As soon as we hear some official results we will let anglers know immediately of the outcome.

All other lakes remain open at this stage, we still want anglers to report in any strange colours or red spotting on trout. 

Even if it turns out to be something quite harmless we would still like a record of where it is occurring as it may be caused by environmental or climatic reasons. 

The good news is that trout are in fantastic condition in the lakes. 

There was a period at the start of the month where the fish stopped feeding due to increased water temperature. 

However, now it seems with the return of windy days to the high country the lakes have been stirred up again resulting in the water temperature cooling to a more optimal range for trout feeding. 

Surface activity has been very evident on both lakes and back country rivers in the last two weeks with lots of beetles and other flies present. 

Please note that the North Canterbury Fish & Game office will be closed from the 23rd of December to the 4^th of January 2018. 

During this time for licencing issues you can call 0800542 362. 

For fisheries related issues you can call Tony Hawker on 021 221 8325. 

All other enquiries can go to Debbie on 027 348 3280.

Hopefully you are all to busy fishing to worry about calling us!  Have a good Christmas. 

Tight lines.

Tony Hawker, North Canterbury Fish & Game Officer.