North Canterbury Weekly Fishing Report - 28th November 2024

  • North Canterbury
  • 28/11/2024
  • Jackson Meecham

North Canterbury Weekly Fishing Report - 28th November 2024

Celebrating 150 Years of Trout Fishing in New Zealand

This Sunday marks a milestone for anglers across New Zealand as we celebrate 150 years since the first licensed freshwater sports fishing season began on December 1, 1874.

Staff member Caleb caught this nice brown last weekend 

Designated waters fishing well early season 

The Designated Waters system was established to alleviate angling pressure on some of the region's most sensitive fisheries, ensuring they remain healthy and productive. It also provides local anglers with unlimited access (with a $5 DW Licence) to these pristine waters, allowing for a more enjoyable and sustainable fishing experience. According to reports from local anglers, many of the rivers in the region are fishing exceptionally well this season, a true testament to the success of the system. Take a look at some of the impressive catches made recently in North Canterbury's designated waters...

Lewis Pass, 74cm

Lewis Pass, 72cm 

Lewis Pass, size not specified 

River Update

Our braided rivers are finally clearing up, and conditions look promising for the weekend. This is a perfect chance to target the early salmon run, particularly on the Rakaia River. Historically, the Rakaia sees a pre-Christmas run of fish, making it a great spot for early-season anglers.

If you’re planning to fish for salmon, focus your efforts between the river mouth and the SH1 bridge. While it’s possible to catch fish above SH1, most experienced anglers agree that the stretch below the bridge is the prime location for early-run salmon. With cooler, higher flows, the fish are often more aggressive and larger, as these early runners typically lead the charge into the headwaters.

Rakaia salmon fishing, 2021

Weekly Fishing Tip

Join Simon McMillan from Christchurch Hunting & Fishing, a passionate sea-run salmon angler, as he shares his expert tips for targeting early-season salmon. In this video, Simon walks us through a range of effective lure options, perfect for those first few months of the season. He also offers valuable insights into some of the best locations to fish early season, helping you maximize your chances of success.

 

High-Country Lakes and Rivers

The weekend is also shaping up to be fantastic for high-country lakes and rivers. Reports from anglers just a couple of weeks ago showed great success, with some lucky fishers landing both brown and rainbow trout.

Lake Selfe during the High Country opening weekend, 2024

Tips and Reminders
  • River Etiquette: When fishing the rivers, leave a note on your vehicle dashboard indicating where you’re fishing. This simple gesture helps maintain courtesy and prevents others from jumping ahead of you along the river.
  • Fly Fishing Advice: If you’re struggling to tempt a fish with your usual flies, try tying on a streamer. Swinging a large, protein-packed fly past a trout’s nose can often trigger an aggressive strike, as shared by fellow anglers who’ve had great success with this method.
Weather Update 

This weekend looks to bring a mixed range of weather around the region. Be sure to plan your trips around the weather. The 150th Anniversary of trout in New Zealand (Sunday the 1st) looks to have some great weather for anglers of all skill levels. 

Christchurch

Rakaia

Waipara

Arthurs Pass

Culverden

Hamner Springs

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

 

Happy fishing! Stay safe out there!

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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