Reel Life April 2026 - North Canterbury

Time is Ticking on the Main Fishing Season

With ANZAC weekend still to come, now’s the perfect time to squeeze in one last fishing trip before the regular season wraps up on April 30th. Most rivers and lakes will close then, reopening again on October 1st, but don’t hang up your rod just yet!

Image above: Emily Craig with a solid 4lb brown trout caught on a size 14 green mayfly nymph. 

There are still some fantastic winter fishing opportunities across North Canterbury on some of our scenic high-country lakes that remain open year-round. Be sure to check your regulation booklet or give the North Canterbury Fish & Game Office a call to
confirm what's open and where to go.

Sea-Run Salmon Surveying Underway

Spawning counts have started in the region.
Each year, Fish & Game undertakes important work to estimate sea-run salmon populations across our key indicator rivers (in North Canterbury, we have the Waimakariri River & Rakaia River), and this season’s 2025/26 surveys are already underway.

These estimates rely on:

• Aerial counts of spawning fish, and
• Sea-Run Salmon Season Bag Card returns from anglers like you

Your data plays a vital role. Even if you didn’t land a fish, please return your card by May 7. Every card helps build a clearer picture of the fishery and supports its ongoing management.

You can return your sea-run salmon bag card here:
https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/fishing-licencesand-
regulations/sea-run-salmon/sea-run-salmon-return-form-2025-2026/

Lake Roto Kohatu Now Open

Alexandra Zinoveva with a Salmon from Lake Roto Kohatu caught while fishing with her dad.

Great news for local anglers, Lake Roto Kohatu is now open for fishing through to October 31.

Close to Christchurch, it’s an ideal option for a quick after-work session or a relaxed outing. The lake has also recently been stocked with salmon, so there’s every reason to get out and make the most of it.

Heads up: If you’re planning to fish from October onward, you’ll need a 2026/27 season licence.

Access note: The newer entrance to the lakes is via Lakes Way, just off Greywacke Road.

Upper Hurunui River Controlled Fishery Consultation

Time is running out to provide feedback on the North and South Branches of the Upper Hurunui River Controlled Fishery Trial
North Canterbury Fish & Game is currently seeking feedback on potential regulatory changes, and this is your chance to be heard.

All feedback will be considered as part of fishery management planning and shared with the North Canterbury Fish & Game Council and the Minister for Hunting & Fishing to help guide future decisions.

The consultation closes at 11:59 pm on Sunday, 19 April 2026, which is this weekend, so don’t miss your opportunity.
For more information and to make a submission, head to our website: CLICK HERE