Fishing Reports index> March 2008

Fish and Game North Canterbury Fishing Report for Thursday March 20th.

North Canterbury Rivers have not seen a fresh for over two weeks now. However salmon fishing has taken off recently in the Waimakariri River as it seems to each year around this time. There have been 30 to 40 salmon taken each day in the lower reaches lately between the Mouth, McIntosh’s Rocks and the Banana Hole which all seem to be fishing well. There were 20 odd salmon taken at the Mouth this morning weighing between 12 and 25 pounds. The Waimakariri River is likely to continue to be the standout river over the next few weeks, including the Kaiapoi River as salmon make there way back to the Silverstream Hatchery where around 60,000 smolt are released each year to help boost returning numbers of adults three years later.

Reports I have heard, indicate that there are good numbers of salmon throughout all the main rivers at present however all the rivers are very low and clear and successful fishing upriver is becoming limited to the twilight hours. Fishing at the river mouths of the other salmon rivers appears to have gone quiet recently so anglers fishing the first hour of light upriver should have the best chance of success.

The Groynes Fishing lakes have continued to fish well and please remember these lakes are restricted to anglers 17 and under.

Trout fishing upriver can be quite rewarding during these low clear flows and the upper Rakaia would be worth a look over the weekend.  Please remember that there is no fishing for salmon in the Western Zones of the main rivers.

Good luck over the long weekend.