2022 Special Winter Edition Fishing Report - North Canterbury

With school holidays starting on the 9th of July, it’s a great opportunity to get the boat out of the shed and take the family out fishing during the winter period.

We have a variety of lakes and rivers that can be fished over winter, and they offer some great conditioned fish as they’ll be getting ready to spawn. 

While the winter fishing season isn’t as popular as the summer season there are still a few keen anglers that go out and brave the cold wintery conditions and have success which is great to hear.

We are getting reports of Lake Coleridge fishing well for salmon and rainbow trout around the Ryton and Harper River mouths.

Above Right: Kurt Davison with a nice winter rainbow.

If you are interested in targeting perch then I’d recommend heading out to Lake Forsyth as that has also been very productive for anglers, and it's nice and handy to Christchurch if you don’t get a chance to head into the high country. 

Winter fishing tips

We have also recently put together a “How to” video for some tips and tricks for anglers that are new to fishing at either this time of the year or completely new to freshwater fishing; you can watch it here.

It's always good to check your regulations booklet to see what other regions have to offer over the winter season, as well as there is plenty of good opportunities outside the North Canterbury region.

If winter fishing isn’t for you, then it’s a great time to have a thorough gear check for the upcoming season, so you don’t have any gear issues on opening day. 

School Holiday fish release

On Friday, North Canterbury Fish & Game in conjunction with Mt Cook Alpine Salmon will be releasing around 400 salmon into the Childrens fishing lakes at the Groynes.

This latest release will enable young anglers the opportunity to harvest a fish for the plate over the school holidays.

Tight lines

Harry Graham-Samson, North Canterbury Fish & Game.