CSI Weekly Fishing Report - 12 November 2026

High Country Opening Day Sees Anglers Out in Force

Saturday, November 7 marked the opening day for the Central South Island region's high-country lakes and rivers. Fish & Game rangers were out and about in Hakataramea, Twizel, and Ashburton Lakes areas.

Our ranger at Lake Heron reported a calm morning without the usual north-westerly gale the area is famous for. Anglers were out making the most of the great conditions, and of the 40 anglers checked, the majority were found to be following the regulations.  

Two anglers were found to be offending, using treble hooks, which are prohibited under a new regulation this season. The ‘single hook’ regulation aims to reduce handling time to minimise the risk of harm during catch and release of undersize salmon (less than 300mm).

Pictured above: Hadley Couper 8yrs old of Ashburton fishes Lake Heron.

The story of the day was 8-year-old Hadley Couper from Ashburton, who caught and released his very first fish under the watchful eye of his father, Andrew, just as the ranger showed up.  Hadley cared for his catch, keeping it in the water while he quickly removed the hook and was hoping he would go on to land a whopper later in the day.     

Kids Salmon Fishing Day 2026

Evan Adams 11yrs old, of Temuka.

Last Saturday, CSI Fish and Game also held our annual Kids Fishing Day at Loch Cameron.  Thanks to Mount Cook Alpine Salmon, whose generosity makes the day possible. 

As part of Mt Cook Alpine Salmon’s philosophy of giving back to the community, they gifted more than 300 salmon for the event.  

The forecasted rain and wind held off until after the event, giving the kids good conditions for their morning fishing. The fishing was fantastic, with more than 150 salmon landed by lunchtime.

A total of 171 youngsters aged between 4 and 11 years—along with their families—enjoyed a fun-filled day learning the ropes of salmon fishing in a relaxed and supportive environment.  See some photos and a video clip of the event on our facebook page here

There are still salmon available to all sport fishing licence holders in Loch Cameron.   We encourage you to take a child or junior angler out fishing to Loch Cameron over the next few weeks while this opportunity lasts. The daily bag limit at Loch Cameron is two salmon and two trout & only Child Licence holders, aged 11 and under, can fish with bait at Loch Cameron. Check the other regulations here.

Anglers who catch a salmon in Loch Cameron are encouraged to keep it and utilise it, instead of releasing it.  If you are lucky enough to catch a salmon, please take all fish waste with you to dispose of elsewhere, as Loch Cameron is a favourite swimming and picnicking spot for locals and visitors.

Finlay Matravers 6yrs old of Wanaka, with Tama Wanaka primary's class mascot.

Zaylee 4yrs old and Zane 8yrs old of Oamaru.

Charlotte and Madeline Turner, 7yrs old of Twizel.

South Canterbury Anglers Club – High Country Opening Weekend at Lake Alexandrina

SCAC member John Hannah with the heaviest fish of the day, 2.55 kg brown trout.

The South Canterbury Anglers Club held its opening weekend competition to kick off the High Country fishing season. Garry Parker sent in this report.

Both the South End and Outlet huts were occupied by club members, with both huts available free of charge to members competing in the event.

Saturday and Sunday brought warm, still conditions and clear skies. While some anglers found the fishing challenging, others enjoyed one of their best opening weekends in recent times.

There was a good turnout of club members for the BBQ and weigh-in at the club’s batch at the Outlet. A total of 28 fish were caught, with 17 released.

All weighed fish were gutted and gilled. The heaviest fish went to John Hannah, fishing from the South End hut, with a 2.55 kg brown trout. Garry Parker finished second with a 1.95 kg rainbow caught in Lake McGregor, followed by Dave Pope with a 1.90 kg fish from Lake Alexandrina.

 The heaviest bag (maximum of two fish) went to Dave Pope with a combined weight of 2.45 kg. Dave also enjoyed a successful weekend, landing eight fish in total.

 Several members ventured further afield to Lakes McGregor and Alexandrina, with Bob Armstrong having a particularly successful trip, landing eight fish and releasing six.

 The club’s next trip is planned for 22 November at Lake Heron. Club members and non-members are welcome.

Dave Pope with a 1.90 kg fish.

Catchment Groups at Mahi

CSI F&G and ANZ staff planting along Gentlemansmith Stream on Castle Ridge Station. Credit: Phill Everest.

Last week two planting days were held, one in the Hakataramea Valley at Hamish and Charlotte Bell’s 'Ngaripa' property and one in the Ashburton Lakes/Ōtūwharekai at Paul and Kerry Harmer’s ‘Castle Ridge’ property.

Both projects were driven by the landowners and dedicated teams involved within their respective catchment groups. Plenty of helpers from a range of businesses and organisations mucked in at both sites to get all the plants in the ground.

The projects are aimed at improving water quality outcomes and creating riparian habitat which can only be of benefit to all species that rely on these areas.

CSI Fish & Game is pleased to support the work of local catchment groups and acknowledges the effort being made by landowners and communities to improve water quality and freshwater habitat.

Weather and Water Outlook

High Country/Twizel

Saturday will be mostly fine with light winds throughout the day, starting partly cloudy before clearing to sunny skies, with a few clouds returning during the evening.  Sunday will start partly cloudy before becoming overcast through the morning, clearing to partly cloudy conditions in the afternoon, with light northwesterly winds before rain develops in the evening.

Low Country/Temuka

Saturday will bring persistent light rain and showers through the morning and early afternoon, clearing to fine skies later in the day, with easterly winds strengthening to moderate breezes. Sunday will start cloudy with light rain, clearing to partly cloudy skies in the afternoon, with light easterly winds before cloud increases again in the evening.

As of Thursday morning, the ECan and ORC flow websites show 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.

• Ahuriri -  45.1
• Ashburton -  34.1
• Hakataramea - 4.8
• Kakanui  – 13.2
• Ōpihi –  17.9
• Ōrāri – 1.9
• Otematata - 8.8
• Rangitata - 284.6
• Tekapo - 14.8
• Twizel –  8.3
• Waitaki -  322.4

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

Please Send us your Fishing Reports!

Whilst this report is crafted by the CSI Fish & Game team, it’s your stories that truly bring it to life. We’d love to hear about your own fishing adventures. Please share your short trip reports, photos, go-to lures, or favourite recipes etc.

Email your reports to Fish & Game Officer Jase Van Beers at [email protected]

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