Central South Island Weekly Fishing Report - 10 April 2025
- Central South Island
- 10/04/2025
Excellent Catch and Release Technique Observed at the Canals
James Druell a fly angler visiting from Texas, USA was successful in fly fishing the canals last week. CSI Fish and Game Officer Jase Van Beers met James when he had a beautiful 8lb rainbow trout netted.
Pictured above: James Druell from Texas uses an extendable large net to safely release an 8lb rainbow trout. Credit: J Van Beers.
James was practicing catch and release, and it was a pleasure to watch how he cared for the fish - only releasing it when he was absolutely confident, based on his experience and judgment, that it was healthy enough to survive.
To do this James was using a large extendable net and he gently held the trout at the water’s surface whilst still submerged and waiting for the trout to regain its strength.
A net such as the Kilwell Net Magnum LB Telescopic Snag Free 200cm would be a good option.
And as always please remember to use these careful C&R techniques:
- Cool your hands and landing net by wetting them before touching the fish.
- Keep the fish in the water while removing the hook.
- Do not squeeze the fish and never touch the gills.
- Photograph the fish in or over the water. Do this quicky as the fish should be out of the water for no more than 5 seconds.
- Revive the fish facing into the current until it regains swimming strength.
An extendable large net to safely catch and release fish on the canals can be an effective tool.
Lake Opuha Angler Report
CSI Fish & Game Officer Jase Van Beers met Ludovic Eveillard a travelling French master’s student of ecology this week at Bennents Rd, Lake Ophua.
Ludovic and his travelling companions camped the night at Lake Opuha and enjoyed the easy access shoreline spin fishing and caught a couple of brown trout on a classic black and gold toby.
“We've been traveling around New Zealand for several weeks and have caught fish in many places. Lake Opuha must be one of the most tranquil spots we have come across, so quiet and easy fish to catch.”
With a healthy population of trout and easily accessible shoreline fishing for kids, be sure to put Lake Opuha on your list as a potentially long weekend fishing and camping trip with the family come Easter and ANZAC. Click here for our angler access online maps to check it out.
Canal Salmon Commitment
Andy Madill with a perfect table fare chinook salmon.
Over the past weeks CSI Fish & Game Officer Jase Van Beers had the pleasure checking Andy Madill’s licence a couple of times.
Andy, a committed canal salmon angler, has a knack for success and each time Jase has met Andy he has large salmon in his chilly bin.
Andy says that the fish are certainly there, but it takes perseverance. Andy usually fishes with shrimp as bait at the Tekapo fish bowl.
Angler Etiquette Over Easter and ANZAC Weekends at the Hydro Canals
With a double header of long weekends on the horizon (get excited and prepared by the way!)
We’re anticipating a busy few days on the canals, particularly around high-traffic spots like the salmon farms and intake structures.
Please remember these canals are owned and maintained by Meridian and Genesis, and anglers are privileged to access their land and infrastructure.
To keep this unique fishery open and accessible, it’s essential that anglers act responsibly. Showing respect for the land, the infrastructure, and others goes a long way in protecting ongoing public access.
Here’s a few reminders of what angler behaviour should look like at the canals.
- Speed limits on canal roads are respected, this is very important for safety of all people along the canals and preserving the longevity of angler access to the canals.
- Take in, take out policy when it comes to general rubbish.
- Fish waste is disposed of appropriately, away from the canal banks and water. Bring a bucket with a lid to take it away with you.
- Hazard warning signs and safety fences are respected.
- Overnight camping, including sleeping in cars, is undertaken away from the canals at designated camping areas.
- Toilets provided on the canals and at power stations are used.
Please view our angler access map website here, zoom in on the canals to see where toilets are provided by Meridian and Genesis.
Weather and Water Outlook
An angler rows across Lake Alexandrina on a beautiful autumn morning. Credit: J Van Beers.
The first snow of autumn fell on Tuesday cooling air and water temperatures.
According to the NIWA long range forecast a high-pressure system is set to push in from the Tasman Sea today over the whole country setting us up for a fine weekend other than potentially some light showers on Saturday morning that should clear out by lunchtime.
Looking at ECAN River Flow Website water levels rivers had a bump in flow on Tuesday but are gradually lowering again.
This forecast was accurate at the time of writing but as always don’t take our word for it completely and please remember to check the forecast for yourself before heading out.
NOTICE BOARD
Fish & Game Salmon Bag Card Returns Now Open
If you have finished salmon fishing for the season please return the details on your card to us.
You can do this online here, give us a call on 03 615 8400, email [email protected] or post the card to us at P.O Box 150 Temuka 7948.
Even if you didn’t catch a salmon or if you didn’t go out fishing at all, that information is still important to us.
Triennial Review of Central South Island Region’s Sports Fishing Regulations
The Central South Island Fish and Game Council (CSIFGC) is seeking feedback on eleven proposed changes to the sports fishing regulations across a range of its regional fisheries as part of its triennial regulations review.
The proposals, their assessment by CSIFGC staff, and online feedback forms can be found here at our website here.
For further information about providing feedback please contact our office: ph. – 03 615 8400, email – [email protected]
Feedback will be accepted until 27 April 2025.
Please remember to share your angling experiences with us, it helps make our reports more engaging and inspiring for everyone! Please email your reports to Jase, here.