Reel Life September 2026 - North Canterbury

Season Opener 2026/27

It’s not long now until the 2026/27 fishing season gets underway!

With many rivers and streams having had little to no angling pressure since 30 April, fish may be a little less wary than usual when it comes to fly presentation. That said, successful anglers will still need to approach the water with care. Stealth remains key, so move slowly, keep a low profile, and avoid casting your shadow across the water, as this can quickly spook fish and put them down.

Over the winter months, staff have been busy with a range of projects, including an exciting trout-tagging study at Lake Coleridge. The project aims to determine whether trout can successfully move through the Harper control gate. The information gathered will also provide valuable insights into fish growth rates and movement patterns within the lake when tagged fish are recaptured by anglers. Because all tagged fish were released within a specific area of the lake, we'll be able to build a clearer picture of how they travel and utilise different parts of the fishery.

We also recently held our first-ever Women's Fly Fishing Course in partnership with accomplished guides Hannah Clement and Shelen Boyes from Queenstown. The course was fully booked, which was fantastic to see and highlights the growing interest among women wanting to learn and enjoy the sport of fly fishing. We're grateful to everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success.

Upper Hurunui River Controlled Fishery Trial Update

As we head into the third season of the Upper Hurunui River Controlled Fishery Trial, a number of changes have been made based on feedback and ongoing assessment.

The most significant change is that the Hurunui South Branch is no longer part of the controlled fishery and has reverted to the standard Designated Waters system.

Changes have also been made to the Hurunui North Branch, with the lower boundary of the controlled fishery now moving upstream to the swing bridge. Anglers fishing above Lake Sumner will operate under standard Designated Waters regulations and will no longer require a booking.

Please select here to view video 

For more information on these changes and how the controlled fishery operates, visit the Upper Hurunui River Controlled Fishery page on the Fish & Game website here: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/fishing-licences-and-regulations/special-licence-options/controlled-fishery-licences/upper-hurunui-river-controlled-fishery/ 

Lake Coleridge Fishing Competition

Mark Saturday, 7 November in your calendar for the annual Lake Coleridge Fishing Competition, celebrating the high-country season opening.

The competition is generously supported by three Hunting & Fishing stores: Ballingers (Tower Junction), Ashburton, and North Canterbury (Rangiora).

Keep an eye on our weekly fishing reports in the lead-up to the event. You might just pick up a few tips that help you land the winning fish!

Angling Etiquette

Opening day is one of the most anticipated days on the angling calendar, and a little courtesy goes a long way in ensuring everyone enjoys their time on the water.

If you're planning to fish a particular river reach, consider leaving a note on your vehicle dashboard outlining your intentions. This can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce crowding. If you encounter another angler, take the time to introduce yourself and discuss your plans. A quick conversation can help ensure everyone has space to fish and enjoy a successful day on the river.

We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable start to the season and look forward to seeing the stories and photos that come from another great year on the water.