Fishing with Young Anglers

Take A Kid Fishing event at the Groynes Christchurch. Organised by the Christchurch Kids Fishing Trust.

Here are some simple tips to make fishing a fun and memorable experience.

• Emphasise that fishing is fun, catching is a bonus. Use the time to foster an appreciation for the outdoors.
• Leave YOUR fishing rod at home. Not carrying your rod induces the mindset that you are taking the kids, they aren’t taking you.
• Target areas with a high likelihood of success. Bait fishing often has the highest strike rate.
• Morning trips are the best – the fish bite better and the kids have more energy.
• Go somewhere where the kids feel safe and are safe. Avoid high banks and swift water.
• Pick a sunny day with moderate temperatures but pack a warm layer for the kids in case the weather turns.
• Take plenty of breaks from fishing. You could bring a ball, a book or even swimming gear to mix up the activities. Bring plenty of snacks.
• Keep the trip short – a couple of hours max.
• Be patient, take pictures and have fun!

Rotokohatu Lakes

Lake Rua is a popular swimming location during Christchurch Summers. Most do not realised that the lake is stocked with Salmon by Fish & Game for the winter months. This does mean that it fishes best from April-November. It is located in very close proximity to Christchurch Airport and it has wheelchair and mobility-impaired access. Please be aware there may be swimmers in the lake and don't forget to check the regulations. 

Lake Taylor

Lake Taylor is a popular brown trout fishery and camping spot and is one of four fishable lakes in the lake Sumner area. It is recommended that you use a 4WD if accessing areas above Lake Taylor. Spin fishing is best in the summer months.

Loch Katrine

There is a settlement of huts at Loch Katrine and limited camping is available. The lake produces a good number of land locked salmon for the spin fisherman. Spin fishing, with bubble and dry fly in the summer months.

Lake Pearson

A number of small tracks lead off SH73 down to parking areas at the edge of the lake. This lake contains mostly brown trout but there are some rainbows. Better results are to be had when there is a ripply surface. Spin fishing is the best method when the lake is rough. 

Kaiapoi River

The Kaiapoi River experiences good runs of salmon, and is one of the only places in New Zealand where salmon are regularly caught on bait; freshwater shrimps and whole pilchards being the most popular. The best fishing is between SH1 and the confluence with the Waimakariri. Access is available at the Hall Street boat ramp, Smith Street and the town wharf, all located within the township of Kaiapoi. All methods work well.

North Canterbury Fish & Game CEO Rasmus Gabrielsson and children, fishing the Ashley River.

Waimakariri River

Good fishing can be had below the SH1 Bridge down to the Stewarts Gully yacht club. Sea run brown trout can be caught between October and February. There is also a chance of catching a salmon. Most popular method is spin fishing using a ‘Tassie Devil’ or “Veltic” casting out and letting it swing around with the current fishing it as deep as possible.

Groynes Lakes

Only those under the age of 17 may fish at these lakes. The lakes are located off Groynes Drive, Belfast. These lakes are closed to the public overnight so check with the Christchurch City Council for open times. Bubble and bait, spin fishing with small spinners or heave and leave will all work well.

Take A Kid Fishing, The Groynes Fishing Lakes Christchurch.

Lower Selwyn

The best fishing is from Coes Ford down to the lower huts; accessed from The Lake Road, Springston South. Spin fishing, bubble and bait or heave and leave methods all work.

Lake Lyndon

This lake can be accessed from Lake Coleridge via the Lyndon Road (in dry weather), or directly off SH73 just over Porters Pass. Good populations of rainbow and brown trout are present. Spin fishing, bubble and dry fly go well for anglers in the summer months. The heave and leave method with a ‘Glo Bug’ is productive in the deeper water also.

Children's Day fishing at Lake Lyndon held by Fish & Game and the Water and Wildlife Habitat Trust.

Lake Georgina

Georgina is a nice little lake which anglers can walk right around during a fishing session. To get to Lake Georgina turn off the Coleridge Road onto Homestead Road, and then turn into Harper Road. The lake is the first on your right. Similar methods to lakes Pearson and Lyndon.

Before going out to any of these locations make sure you check the current seasons regulations.