Central South Island Weekly fishing report - 5 December 2024

Fish & Game celebrated the 150-year anniversary of trout fishing in Aotearoa/New Zealand by giving away over 650 Day licences across the country.

Licensed trout fishing in New Zealand began 150 years ago on December 1, 1874, when the Otago Acclimatisation Society introduced the nation’s first licensed freshwater sports fishing season.

The first trout were successfully introduced in Otago in the late 1860s. By 1874, their numbers were sufficient to launch a three-month angling season.  On opening day, Alexander Campbell Begg made history by catching the first licensed trout in the Water of Leith.

Over the last 150 years, trout fishing has grown into a national pastime enjoyed by more than 130,000 anglers annually. While fishing gear has evolved from bamboo rods to modern carbon fibre equipment, the essence of the sport—connecting with nature and enjoying the thrill of the catch—remain unchanged.

Fisheries management has been at the heart of trout angling since its inception. Fish & Game Councils have carried this legacy forward, restoring habitats, protecting waterways, and advocating for anglers to have access to fishing spots.

Trout fishing is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s outdoor culture and has created unforgettable memories for generations - here’s to the next 150 years!

You can view a story on 1News, here, or read more on the Fish & Game website, here.

One of CSI's jewels the Upper Ahuriri opens this weekend.

The upper section of the Ahuriri River, its tributaries, tarns and lagoons above Longslip Creek open this Saturday the 7th of December.

Keep an eye on ECan river flow rates for the Upper Ahuriri here.  No higher than 20-25 flow m3/s (cumecs) is optimal.

The regulations for the Ahuriri River are listed on page 8 of the CSI Sports Fishing Regulations 2024/25, here.

Virgina Eddy of Temuka catches a salmon for dinner from Loch Cameron last weekend.

Loch Cameron, just outside Twizel, is calling all anglers!  

Stocked with chinook salmon for Fish & Game's recent Kids Salmon Fishing Day, this picturesque spot still holds an estimated 50-75 salmon, each weighing approximately 2.5–3 lbs.—a perfect size for a delicious meal.

Temuka angler Virginia Eddy recently landed one of these beauties during her visit on December 1st, using an orange and gold Tasmanian Devil lure. Virginia shared her excitement, saying, “I was very lucky to land a lovely salmon, thank you Fish & Game.”

A special thanks goes to Mt Cook Alpine Salmon for generously donating the chinook salmon. Their contribution has not only brought joy to young anglers during the Kids Salmon Fishing Day event but also left an incredible opportunity for others to enjoy the thrill of fishing at Loch Cameron.

Family-friendly, and surrounded by the stunning Mackenzie Basin scenery, Loch Cameron currently offers a chance to catch salmon in a tranquil, easily accessible setting. Grab your rod, pack your favorite lures, and head out before these remaining salmon are gone!

Outdoor Access live video screenshot of the Rangitata River at Klondyke corner tells the tale of high rainfall in the high country.

Head for low country rivers and lakes this weekend.

After a hot, windy week and over 100mls of rain on the main divide, CSI high country rivers are once again running at high levels with poor visibility. The current north-westerly pattern we are stuck in looks set to continue into this weekend as well.

Sea-run salmon fishing conditions were shaping up well for this weekend but unfortunately as I write this on Thursday morning the Rangitata has come up to 255 flow m3/s (cumecs) and still climbing according to the ECan river flow rates.  Ideally around 80 cumecs is what you’re after and a general rule of thumb is visibility is right when you can stand in the river up to your knees and just see the tip of your boots.

Predicted long range weather forecast for the weekend on the YR.no forecast website as of Thursday morning are as follows:

Low Country/Temuka

• Saturday, 7 December, will start with fair and clear skies, light rain showers early morning, and a low of 11°C. The day will warm to a high of 20°C with fair conditions and gentle breezes from the southeast, turning cloudy by evening.
• Sunday, 8 December, will begin with light rain and a low of 15°C, transitioning to cloudy skies by late morning. Temperatures will rise to a high of 23°C in the afternoon, accompanied by a moderate breeze from the northeast.

High Country/Twizel

• Saturday, 7 December, will be mostly clear and fair, with a high of 22°C and a low of 11°C. Gentle breezes from the west will strengthen slightly in the afternoon, with partly cloudy skies moving in by evening.
• Sunday, 8 December, will see rain in the morning with a low of 11°C and light air shifting from west to east. By the afternoon, conditions will turn cloudy with a high of 19°C, followed by light rain and calm easterly winds in the evening.

This forecast was accurate at the time of writing but please remember to check the forecast for yourself before heading out.