Fishing in South Canterbury.
Hamish Stevens, Fish and Game Officer

Fishing conditions in the South Canterbury region have been controlled by the unpredictable spring weather during the first few weeks of the season with nor-westers and rain dominating the weather map.

The Rangitata which had been low prior to the fishing season received its first decent fresh late on opening day with anglers fishing before this reporting some good catches of sea-run trout between 1.5 and 3kg. Didymo has made its presence at the mouth with small clumps collecting in white baiters nets, however since opening day the river has remained above 100 cumecs which will hopefully remove didymo growths that have established over winter. Didymo is still undetected in the upper catchment so please remember to check, clean and dry before fishing these waters.

Good flows have been experienced in the Opihi producing excellent fishing conditions for spin and fly anglers. Reports from the Opihi suggest good numbers of trout are in residence and this confirms Fish and Game’s staff observations prior to the opening day. A sizable run of sea-run trout entered the river early in the season and are now being caught up as far as Pleasant Point. Lure fishing in the Opihi Lagoon is proving to be very productive for these sea-runners and one lucky angler landed five, all over four pounds, in 45min, pretty impressive! Spin anglers targeting Opihi sea-runners should try the good old Toby colors like ‘Black and Gold’ or if the river is discolored ‘Silver’ as they are proving to be very successful at present.

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