Fishing Reports index> February 2008

North Canterbury Fishing Report Friday 1st February 2008

Steve Terry
Fish & Game Officer

This season we have seen the best salmon fishing in Canterbury we have had for many years now and over the last week salmon fishing in Canterbury has continued to reward anglers. Salmon have finally started to show up in reasonable numbers in the Waimakariri River after a prolonged period where only a few were being caught each day. There were 13 or 14 caught at the mouth on Tuesday and another 10 or so on Wednesday. This is an encouraging start for what is hopefully a great season in the Waimakariri which usually fishes best in February and March.

Salmon fishing in the other rivers has been steady with good numbers caught during flood recessions and a few caught each day once the rivers clear. The Rangitata continues to be the standout fishery, with good numbers caught last weekend in the surf on the south side of the mouth and another 20 before 10am yesterday. Boat anglers heading out the river mouth have also been picking up good numbers of salmon so there seems to be plenty about.

Further north, the Rakaia has been a bit slow at the mouth with a few caught each day but anglers have reported seeing good numbers further up river. The salmon have entered the mouth while it is dirty and fishing above SH1 will probably be anglers best bet over the weekend.

Most of the high country lakes have warmed in recent weeks causing fish to head for cooler water in the lake centres. Boat anglers at Lake Coleridge are reporting reduced catches which is to be expected at this time of year as the salmon school up and move into deeper water, however shore anglers at Coleridge have started to pick up a few more trout in recent weeks.

Sea-run trout fishing in the lower reaches of the main rivers has also quietened off which is to be expected this late in the season, although many of the trout that remain are reasonably big and in great condition.

Good luck this weekend.

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