North Canterbury Weekly Fishing Report - 19th December 2024

  • North Canterbury
  • 19/12/2024
  • Jackson Meecham

North Canterbury Weekly Fishing Report - 19th December 2024

Keeping Your Tactics Fresh

One of the most valuable things you can do as an angler is to introduce variety into your fishing approach. It's easy to fall into a routine—using the same lures or flies, casting to the same spot, or standing in the same location. While these methods may have worked for you in the past, sticking to them can limit your fishing opportunities. By mixing things up, you can unlock a wealth of new chances to catch fish.

As we head into summer, here are three simple but powerful steps to keep your fishing fresh and exciting:

1. Explore New Angling Spots

Finding new places to fish opens up a world of possibilities. There are many ways to discover fresh locations—talk to fellow anglers, join a local fishing club, or simply hop in the car and explore a new lake or river. The Fish & Game regional regulation books are an excellent starting point, as all the listed waters hold sports fish. Once you've pinpointed some potential spots, turn to tools like Google Earth or satellite maps to familiarise yourself with the terrain before heading out. Taking the time to plan ahead can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Just remember, many areas in New Zealand are surrounded by private land, so always make sure to get permission from the landowner before you cross the property.

Check out all of the regulations of the different regions by clicking here

2. Offer a Variety of Options

Whether you’re fly fishing, trolling from a boat, or spinning with lures or soft baits, don’t be afraid to get creative with what you're presenting to the fish. Building a diverse collection of gear over time can feel like an investment, but it will pay off with increased success. For fly anglers, it’s key to understand what the trout are feeding on. If your usual pattern isn’t getting any reactions or is spooking the fish, try switching it up. Pay attention to the environment—turn over a rock from the water and see if there are small insects clinging to it. Can you match those? Are terrestrials falling from nearby trees? Taking a moment to observe and adjust your approach can make a world of difference.

When trolling, variety is also critical. If you’re using a lead line setup, consider incorporating Rapalas and Tazzie Devils in different colours and patterns. A mix of realistic fish-looking lures and bright, eye-catching options can yield great results. If you're trolling with a spinning setup, aim for a range of 5–20 meters where the trout are most likely to cruise. Halco bibbed lures are fantastic for this, as they can dive up to 8 meters and create erratic, fish-attracting motions. When trolling, maintain a slow, steady pace with your boat—this helps your lures work more effectively. Also, keep an eye out for weed beds, as these are prime feeding grounds for fish.

Jackson holding a rainbow trout he caught using a Pink Fluoro Halco lure

For spinning with lures and soft baits, the same principle applies: variety is key. Trout will be more likely to bite if they’re presented with something new or different. Some lures, especially brightly coloured ones, can trigger a predatory response, which is particularly effective when targeting rainbow trout. Soft baits are a powerful tool in both rivers and lakes and learning from resources like YouTube (check out "New Zealand Soft Baiting Freshwater") or instructional videos from places like The Complete Angler can help you fine-tune your technique.

Caleb holding a nice rainbow trout caught using a Silver Shadow Halco Lure

3. Fish All of the Water

Being an active angler is crucial to maximising your success. Anglers who actively move around and cast to various areas of the water tend to catch more fish than those who stay in one spot. For instance, when fishing a river, break the visible area into nine sections and start by casting to the water closest to you. This allows you to fish every inch of water without spooking any fish that may be hiding just underfoot. This "nine-section" method enables you to cover a broad area from a single spot, but keep in mind that when sight-fishing, you’ll need to carefully check the water between you and the fish, as there could be hidden fish lurking there.

When fishing a lake, avoid staying static. Instead, keep moving along the shoreline to increase your chances and cover more ground. By staying on the move and casting to different areas, you’ll improve your odds of finding fish that are actively feeding.

Lake Sumner Road Update

(Directly from Hurunui District Council)

LAKE SUMNER ROAD - Closed for works to repair the slip:
MON 16 December 2024 - 6 pm FRI 20 December 2024 (if not before)

HOURS:

  • Closed 7 am-12 pm
  • Lunchtime opening: 12 pm - 12.30 pm - light vehicles only
  • Closed: 12.30 pm - 6 pm.
  • Open overnight - for light vehicles only.

Please note: The road remains closed to heavy vehicles.

Inquiries to Corde at 03 318 8320.

Harts Creek Track Closure

The Waihora Ellesmere Trust (WET) have notified North Canterbury Fish & Game that track refurbishment work will begin at Waitātari Harts Creek beginning January 6th. The works are likely to be completed at the end of March 2025. There will be a full track CLOSURE during this period. The track is being given a facelift to improve retaining walls along the creek. They will also widen and level out the track. The Ellesmere Lions Club are overseeing this project. 

For more information, please contact WET here

Pete Slotemaker's big catch

Pete with a great condition fish

Pete, a fly angler landed this outstanding backcountry brown trout this week in one of our North Canterbury Designated Waters. Pete said the fish were rising freely to his size 10 Royal Wulff dry fly. Great work Pete!

Check, Clean, Dry message for 24/25

Kia ora everyone, we are Anna and Louise, Canterbury’s Check Clean Dry advocates for the summer season. Fish and Game members we have met so far have been very passionate about protecting our waterways.  So here is a reminder of the most up-to-date Check Clean Dry protocols.

When to follow these steps?

  • If you are just using one waterbody: great, you don’t need to Check Clean and Dry
  • If you have several days between using one waterway and another, Check and Dry. Make sure your gear is free of plant debris and has been dry to the touch for at least 48 hours.
  • If you are moving between waterways, Check and Clean any equipment that has come into contact with the water.

As you may be aware, Gold Clam was found in the Waikato in May 2023. This species is highly invasive, with one clam producing up to 70,000 juveniles per year. The South Island is currently following the gold clam exclusive version, which involves cleaning equipment with 10% dishwashing detergent or 2% bleach, as usual. However, if you have been to the North Island, gold clam-inclusive protocols apply, and these must be carried out before moving to the South Island.

Anna will be visiting popular fishing spots around North Canterbury from the 27th of December to the 6th of January. So, if you see her around, come say hi and get some free cleaning resources!  Fish and Game’s support for the program over the years has been greatly appreciated. It takes all of us to protect our waterways so we can keep enjoying them for years to come!

Expert Fishing Tip 

This week, we are joined by Malcolm Bell at The Complete Angler. Before the summer holidays begin, Malcolm explains some of the best fishing locations to set up your camp during the warm summer season. Malcolm stresses the importance of being proactive with fishing and actively looking for new methods, spots and places. Enjoy.

 

Weather Update

This week, see much of the region covered in clouds and rain for the entire weekend. A great chance to get some more water into rivers before a warm holiday period begins. For anglers looking to scratch an itch before Christmas Day, lowland spring creeks could be a great option as many trout look to escape the likely flooding rivers. Sunday in Christchurch and nearby areas may offer some patches of sun with cloud cover. High Country lakes like Coleridge and Lyndon should also fish well during and after the rain, please check conditions are safe before putting a boat into the water. Cloud and rain can often serve as a great cover for feeding fish, allowing you to use larger and heavier flies and stand closer to the lake edge. 

Christchurch 

Rakaia

Waipara

Culverden

Hamner Springs

Arthurs Pass

To help you plan your fishing adventures, be sure to check the following resources:

Happy fishing! Stay safe out there!

Get involved this season!

Jump online and get your licence the easy way - it only takes a minute. Click the image above to get started. 

Want to contribute to the weekly fishing reports?

Here at North Canterbury Fish & Game, we are extremely passionate about sharing YOUR angling stories. Whether you caught a massive fish or took your girls and boys out fishing for the first time, you want to hear and tell your stories.

When you’re out this season, don’t forget to take some photos or videos and send them to [email protected] with a little back story on your angling adventures.

Enjoy the weekend, and tight lines to everyone heading out to the water!

Jackson, Harry, Caleb & the rest of the North Canterbury Team

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