Reel Life October 2026 - North Canterbury

Season Off to a Fresh Start

The new fishing season is underway across most North Canterbury waterways!
We have had some cracking river conditions for this time of year, with little north-westerly weather, which tends to make our braided rivers high and dirty; instead, they have been fishable which gives anglers more fishing options.

Image above: Caleb Ryder casts to a trout in a clear North Canterbury River early in the new season.

With November 7th just around the corner, even more fisheries will soon open — expanding your options for exploring new rivers, lakes, and streams as spring rolls on.

Lake Coleridge Fishing Competition – Saturday, November 7^th

Mark your calendars — our annual Lake Coleridge Fishing Competition is back!
Join us at Harper Campground for a day of high-country fishing and friendly competition.

Details:

• Saturday, November 7th
•  Weigh-ins from 9 a.m.
•  Prizegiving at 2 p.m.
•  Harper Campground

Thanks to the generous support of Hunting & Fishing stores in Christchurch, North Canterbury, and Ashburton, and our new sponsor, ARB 4x4, we have an awesome range of prizes up for grabs. Whether you’re fishing from the shore or by boat, there’s plenty of space to enjoy this iconic event. Bring your friends and family for a fun-filled day in the high country. For updates, check out our fishing reports on Facebook or visit our website here.

Give Perch Fishing a go this season!

Emily Craig with a solid perch caught on a dark silver and peach coloured soft bait. 

If you’re looking to try something a bit different that’s closer to home, why not give perch fishing a go? They’re often overlooked in favour of trout.  

Perch are recognisable by their distinctive dark vertical stripes, spiny dorsal fin and bright orange-red lower fins. They can be aggressive feeders, making them great fun to catch, particularly for anglers wanting to try something new or introduce younger anglers to the sport.

So, how do you catch them?

Harry Graham-Samson with a nice perch caught on a smelt imitation soft bait.

Perch can be caught using a range of methods, including spinning, soft-bait fishing and bait fishing. Soft baits probably being the more preferred use of tackle; we’d recommend using soft baits that have a dark back on them with a light-coloured belly. Having various jig head weights is also useful depending on the depth you’re fishing and the weather conditions. Fishing from the shore, a boat or even a kayak can all be productive.

Targeting perch still requires a fishing licence; however there is no daily bag limit on them or minimum size limit.

Reminder: Lake Roto Kohatu Seasonal Closure

A quick reminder that Lake Roto Kohatu closes for fishing on October 31st and reopens April 1^st 2027.
This closure helps reduce conflicts with other lake users, such as swimmers, during the warmer months. Thanks for doing your part to keep this a safe and enjoyable spot for everyone.

Notice of North Canterbury Fish & Game Annual General Meeting

You are warmly invited to attend our AGM. See details below.

Location: North Canterbury Fish & Game, 595 Johns Rd.

Time: Wednesday 25^th November – Time TBC (check the North Canterbury Facebook page and fishing reports for further information)