Central South Island Weekly Fishing Report - 15 October 2026

Finns First Trout on Self-Tied Fly

Finn also caught this fine 5-pound specimen, a great start to the season.

Miller Weston (9) with a brown trout caught trolling a Rapala 4 m at Lake Opuha during the SCAC and Grey Ghost Club trip.

South Canterbury and Grey Ghosts Anglers Clubs undertook a combined trip to Lake Opuha last weekend.

They were pleased with great weather for the occasion. Nine-year-old Miller Weston weighed in a three-pound brown which was caught trolling a Rapala at about 4 meters. Young Cullen who is part of the Grey Ghosts development squad also had luck with a pan-sized rainbow. Many other fish were caught and released by club members before their usual barbecue to round out the day.

Grey Ghosts development squad member Cullen with a pan-sized rainbow trout.

Hydro Canal Fishery Research Presented at Freshwater Forum

CSI Fish & Game staff member Blake Harper presenting at the Freshwater Forum, hosted by the University of Otago in Dunedin last Wednesday.

Last Wednesday in Dunedin a Freshwater forum was held.

It brought together researchers working across freshwater science, management and policy to share their research and ideas with peers, stakeholders and guests.

CSI Fish & Game Officer, Blake Harper, presented on CSI’s ongoing research into trout diets in the Twizel hydro-canals, along with plans for future research into trout population carrying capacity.

It was a great opportunity to discuss some of the theories around the unanswered questions of the canal fishery, receive feedback on potential research techniques and connect with specialists in these fields to explore opportunities for future collaboration.

These discussions are valuable for refining our research approaches, ensuring we use the most appropriate methods, and ultimately generating knowledge to help guide the future management of this unique fishery.

Jet Boating – Where and When Can Jet Boats be Used on Rivers?

Jet boats are a great tool for accessing fishing spots but boaties must be mindful that jet boating is only permitted on some rivers.

Jet boats are a great tool for accessing fishing spots on rivers, but jet boaters need to be mindful that they can only boat a limited selection of river sections in New Zealand.  

The use of jet boats is legally restricted in New Zealand primarily through speed restriction (Regional Councils/ Harbourmaster) and restrictions on activities undertaken on surface water (District Councils). However, there are other restrictions on the use of motorised craft, such as at wildlife refuges and reserves etc.

The Regional Councils Navigation Safety Bylaws list waterways with “speed uplift” where jet boating can take place.  Speed uplifts allow a boat to be used at speeds in excess of 5 Knots;  this means that jet boats can operate at the high speeds they are designed for.  There are also restrictions listed where speed uplift may only apply to a certain river stretch and specified times of year. 

You can request a temporary reservation or exemption from the Harbourmaster by submitting a form, as specified by them, and including the necessary fee. Exemptions can allow for jet boating events and club days etc where a speed uplift is not provided for in the bylaws.

District Councils Plans list permitted and prohibited activities and rules, including the use of motorised craft on surface water.

To ensure you are jet boating legally our advice is to treat all rivers as if the use of motorised craft is prohibited until you have done your own research and confirmed the use of motorised craft in excess of 5 knots is permitted.

Examples

Rangitata River – jet boating partially permitted, excluding upper section above Red Rocks / Turn Again Point between March and July, and excluding Deep Creek tributary at all times.

Navigation Safety Bylaws specifies that the Rangitata River, including the lagoon and tributaries, is a Speed Uplift Zone (see page 29).  

The Timaru District Council (TDC) and Ashburton District Council (ADC) Plans specify that use of motorised craft like jet boats is permitted on the Rangitata River at any time other than above Red Rocks also known as Turn Again Bend (NZMS 260, Sheet J36, Grid Reference 515208) between March and July inclusive (see section 6.20.2.1(4) TDC Plan and section 3.8.7 (a) ADC Plan). Additionally, ADC Plan specifies jet boating is prohibited at all times in the Deep Creek tributary.

Hopkins / Dobson Rivers – Jet boating permitted in mainstem but excluded in tributaries

Navigation Safety Bylaws specifies that the Hopkins and Dobson rivers (mainstems) are Speed Uplift Zones but that their tributaries (Spring Creeks / Temple Stream etc) are excluded and the 5 Knot speed limit applies (see page 28).  

Opihi River – jet boating is not permitted unless part of authorised events held by the New Zealand Jet Boat Association

Navigation Safety Bylaws do not provide a Speed Uplift Zone.

The Timaru District Plan (see section 6.20.2.1(3)) specifies that use of motorised craft is permitted for the New Zealand Jet Boat Association for up to two family day events on the Opihi River between the State Highway 1 Bridge and the confluence of the Opihi and Opuha Rivers. within the period September to February (inclusive) conducted between 10.00am and 3.00pm when the river flow measured at the State Highway 1 Bridge exceeds 30 cumecs.

And

Up to one jet sprint event conducted by the New Zealand Jet Boat Association outside but adjacent to the mainstream of the Opihi River, of up to two days duration in September of any one year.

Important Links to Plans and Bylaws regulating jet boating in the Central South Island Fish & Game Region rivers.

• Environment Canterbury Navigation Safety Bylaws  
• Timaru District Council Plan – Activities on the Surface of Water
• Ashburton District Council Plan – Rural Zones
• Mackenzie District Plan – Activities on the Surface of Water
• Waimate District Plan – Rural
• Waitaki District Plan – Rural Zones
• Apply to Harbourmaster for a Temporary Exemption

Weather and Water Outlook

Rain through the middle of the week should give rivers a welcome fresh ahead of the weekend.

Saturday may bring a few lingering light morning showers and westerly winds before clearing to a fine, calmer day, with Sunday looking fine and settled. Overall, conditions are shaping up well for a weekend on the water.

Flows could be sitting higher than usual this weekend due to mid-week rain. Sight fishing could prove more challenging in larger rivers so have a few techniques up your sleeve. Check back here on the flow links below before heading out to get up to date flow info.

As of Thursday morning, the ECan and ORC flow websites shows the following river flow rates read in cubic meters per second (m³/s). Click on the river name to go to the ECan website for more information.

• Ashburton - 97.3 m³/s
• Ōrāri – 5.8m³/s
• Ōpihi –  24.5 m³/s
• Rangitata – 196.3 m³/s
• Waitaki –  498.8 m³/s
• Kakanui  –  13.3 m³/s

Please always check the weather and waterway conditions before heading out to ensure you have an enjoyable day on the water.

NOTICE BOARD

Hard Labour at the Canals

On Saturday the 24^th of October the Twizel Hard Labour multisport event is on in Twizel over Labour Weekend.  Kayakers will be active from around 8:30am till 11am and will be racing from Lake Ruataniwha, down through the Ōhau B and Ōhau C Canals and out into Lake Benmore via the Ōhau C Tailrace.  Lake Ruataniwha is closed to all powered craft from 7am until 9am.

Please do not fish while kayakers are passing by particularly at the SH8 bridge above Ōhau B canal. This annual event has Meridian approval.

Kids Salmon Fishing Day

Thanks to Mount Cook Alpine Salmon, the Kids Salmon Fishing Day is on for 2026!
The event will be held at Loch Cameron, 5km from Twizel on the morning of Saturday the 7th of November.

The event is for kids between the ages of 4 and 11 only. Registration is on the day from 8:30am, fishing starts at 9am.

Click here for more information or email [email protected]  

Please remember to email your angling reports to Fish & Game Officer, Jase Van Beers, at [email protected].  We’d love to hear from you!

Click here for Central South Island Fish & Game on Facebook

For any questions, please email [email protected] or call 03 615 8400.