North Canterbury Designated Waters Fisheries
There are four river systems in North Canterbury Fish & Game region that have been listed as Designated Waters Fisheries, This is to protect and maintain the angling experience in these fantastic rivers. Anglers must hold a valid Designated Waters Licence in addition to their whole season Fishing Licence to fish these waters.
Hurunui River South Branch Designated Waters Fishery
Open Season: 1 Oct - 30 Apr
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1
Fish length: No licence holder shall be in possession of a sports fish which exceeds a maximum length of 400mm.
Reach: Upstream of the confluence with the North Esk River.
Access: Access to the Hurunui River South Branch backcountry fishery is by permission through Esk Head or Lake Taylor Stations. Both stations are accessed from Lake Sumner Road
Green: Open to all licence holders (including day licences)
Orange: Open to holders of a valid Designated Waters Licence only.
Hurunui River North Branch Designated Waters Fishery
Open Season: 1 Oct - 30 Apr
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1
Fish length: No licence holder shall be in possession of a sports fish which exceeds a maximum length of 400mm.
Reach: Approximately 500m upstream from Lake Sumner. Marked with a sign at or about coordinate BU22 3088 7229.
Access: Walking or mountain biking access from the carpark just past Loch Katrine at the end of Lake Sumner Road. Walking access is also available on the Hope/Kiwi DOC track from Windy Point.
Green: Open to all licence holders (including day licences)
Orange: Open to holders of a valid Designated Waters Licence only.
Hope River Designated Waters Fishery
Open Season: 1 Oct - 30 Apr
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1
Fish length: No licence holder shall be in possession of a sports fish which exceeds a maximum length of 400mm.
Reach: Hope River and all tributaries upstream of the State Highway 7 bridge.
Access: Walking access from the Windy Point carpark on State Highway 7. The Hope River can also be accessed from The Hope/Kiwi track from Lake Sumner.
Green: Open to all licence holders (including day licences)
Orange: Open to holders of a valid Designated Waters Licence only.
Upper Waiau Uwha River Designated Waters Fishery
Open Season: 1 Oct - 30 Apr
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1
Fish length: No licence holder shall be in possession of a sports fish which exceeds a maximum length of 400mm.
Reach: All tributaries upstream of the confluence with the Hope River.
Access: 4WD access is provided to the river, either from Malings Pass or Edwards Pass. A combination for a locked gate is required from the Department of Conservation. 4WD access is only provided to the river, from there licence holders are required to walk or mountain bike. Both 4WD tracks are accessed from Tophouse Road. Visit the link below for details.
Green: Open to all licence holders (including day licences)
Orange: Open to holders of a valid Designated Waters Licence only.
Compliance
Fish & Game will have a strong presence in these rivers this season. Non-compliance with the new regulations is an offence under the Conservation Act and is subject to a maximum fine of NZ$5,000.00.
Monitoring
It is expected a short web-based questionnaire will be sent to all Designated Waters licence holders to evaluate their experience. Please be sure you have provided your correct email address. Your email address will be confidential and is strictly for Fish & Game survey purposes only. We look forward to the cooperation of all anglers and your assistance to help manage this unique fishery for current and future licence holders.
Etiquette for Designated Waters anglers
Respect fellow anglers and remember they arrived at the river with the same expectations as you.
Never ever cut in front of other anglers regardless of how desperate you are to get to the water.
If fishing solo, invite an angler you meet to fish with you or share the available water. You may both learn something.
Use a quality line that strikes a balance between strength and visibility so that fish can be landed smartly. Do not play fish excessively
When releasing fish, do so with great care and try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible.
For further information contact northcanterbury@fishandgame.org.nz