CSI Weekly Fishing Report - 22 October 2026

Big Fishing Weekends Coming!

It’s an exciting time for anglers with two big fishing weekends fast approaching– Labour Weekend this weekend and, following that, the High Country Opening Weekend.

Don’t jump the gun - please remember that the High Country fishing season in the Central South Island region opens on the first Saturday in November which this year falls on the 7 & 8 November.

Labour Weekend is a classic weekend for fishing the canals and Lake Benmore and targeting sea-run brown trout down near the river mouths. 

Pictured above: Anglers on Lake Alexandira during last year’s High Country Opening weekend. Credit: Braided Creative.

During spring, remember that brown trout can take advantage of the annual sockeye salmon migration, feeding on small fry as they emerge from their redds and head downstream towards lake habitat.

Try fishing a small silver-coloured lure that looks a bit like a tiny sockeye salmon around river and stream mouths flowing into Lake Benmore / Te Ao Mārama.  These areas can offer great opportunities to target trout feeding on migrating sockeye fry.

Expect to see other anglers in popular sections of the canals, so please be courteous and share the space if you’re fishing alongside them this Labour Weekend. The angler who is there first has the so called ‘right of way’, so be sure to ask them if it is OK for you to fish near them – for example, if your casts are likely to cross over.

If fishing nearby is not acceptable for the angler with ‘right of way’, then please move on and find a new spot.  The canals are privately owned property, and anglers are effectively the guests of the power scheme’s owners and operators, Meridian, and Genesis.

Check out our canal fishery guide for all the details here, but we’ve selected a few matters Meridian and Genesis want you to take note of.

• Camping is prohibited at the canals – although night fishing is allowed.  If you appear to be camping you may be asked to leave by a power company security guard.
• Adhere to signage and do not climb fences or barriers– signage and fencing are erected around structures and hazardous areas to notify you of hazards and to keep you out of dangerous places.
• Rubbish – Your rubbish and fish waste are your responsibility. Pack-in and pack-out of all waste is required at the canals as there are no rubbish facilities provided.

Before going out fishing remember to purchase your 2026/2027 fishing licence online through the Fish & Game NZ website, here, or from your local licence agent in-store.

You can familiarise yourself on the CSI Sports Fishing Regulations 2026/27, here.

Check out our Angler Access Website here for some fishing spot inspiration.  

A 55th Birthday Surprise

Ethan Longdin with one of several brown trout caught and released from the shores of lake Pūkaki.

Marcus Longdin sent in a report from a wonderful family weekend celebrating his wife Shells' surprise 55th birthday trip. The family did the Hooker Valley Walk and stayed at Glentanner.

Fishing in Lake Pūkaki, the family had plenty of success.  Ethan Longdin caught and released several brown trout.  Brianna Longdin caught a salmon and brought it back to camp to show off.

Ethan stayed an extra night on his own, catching a monster 12-pound salmon one evening, which he kept. He also enjoyed two early-morning fishing sessions, catching and releasing more fish.

Bucks First Fish

Buck watches on patiently while Blake presents his first fish.

CSI staff member Blake’s latest addition, Buck, a chocolate Labrador gun dog, had his first fish encounter last Saturday.  

Blake caught, cared for and released a healthy brownie at the Ōpihi River using a Rapala lure.

Hard Labour at the Canals

The Hard Labour Kayak Course.

On Saturday the 24 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 10am.

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

Weather and Water Outlook

A fine weekend is forecast, but with north-westerly winds. The further inland you are, the stronger the winds will be.  Some rain is expected for Labour Monday. Overall water conditions should be excellent.

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 - 17.4m³/s
• Ōrāri – 8.4m³/s
• Ōpihi –  14.1m³/s
• Rangitata – 72.3m³/s
• Waitaki –  333.7m³/s
• Kakanui  –  4.4m³/s

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

NOTICE BOARD

Delays with Fishing Licences

Fish and Game are experiencing significant delays around NZ Post delivering fishing licences. 

It appears to be taking anything from four to six weeks for some people to receive their plastic card.  If your licence hasn’t arrived yet, please continue to use your email/paper licence receipt until it arrives.

Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury works to clear vegetated islands in Tengawai/Te Ana-a-wai from Cross Road to junction. Opihi River will begin this week and last for two weeks.

Kids Salmon Fishing Day

Thanks to Mount Cook Alpine Salmon, the Kids Salmon Fishing Day is on for 2026!

The event is being held at Loch Cameron, 5km from Twizel on the morning of Saturday 7 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.  For more info email: [email protected]

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.