North Canterbury Weekly Fishing Report – November 5 2021

This weekend is a highly anticipated one- most of the regions high country rivers and lakes become open; for a few people, this is when their season truly begins.

The weather is looking good, and hopefully, you all have plans to get out.

Welcome to the North Canterbury weekly fishing report.

At the time of writing, the weather for the high country this weekend is forecasted to have mostly light winds.

Conditions like these can make the experience of being out there very enjoyable, so I’d recommend getting out this weekend and making the most of it!

Above Right: A fantastic conditioned brown caught from a Canterbury high country lake.

Lake Coleridge Fishing Competition cancellation – Saturday 6th of November

Unfortunately, due to uncertainties about Covid-19 in the Canterbury community, North Canterbury Fish & Game are postponing the annual Lake Coleridge Fishing Competition.

The Competition will be held once we have some certainty from the Government about the condition’s events can be held under.

We wish to acknowledge the assistance from our sponsor, Christchurch (Ballingers) Hunting & Fishing, and Glenthorne Station (who provide an opportunity for anglers to camp on their land during the Competition).

Both parties are helping us find a suitable time to reschedule this popular event that can see up to 1000 people visit the area.

The High-Country fisheries are still opening to anglers on Saturday, so anglers don’t need to cancel any trips they had planned; all they need to do is follow the current Alert Level conditions from the Government.

Because the Competition is postponed, camping is ONLY available at the Harper Campsite this weekend.

While there is no camping available on Glenthorne Station this weekend, this will be possible when we hold the rescheduled Competition.

Anglers can still access the mouth of the Ryton River, but camping is not permitted till the Competition occurs.

Anglers heading to the lakes can find accommodation options for the are online.

North Canterbury Fish & Game will notify anglers when the Competition can be held

https://fishandgame.org.nz/.../lake-coleridge-fishing.../

Lowland fishing

The region’s lowland streams continue to fish well, but fish are getting tricker as flows lower and angler pressure continues with the season’s progression.

This will often require the angler to change their methods to catch wary fish.

If fly fishing, try using a longer leader and thinner tippet; often playing around with fly size and weight (if nymph fishing) can dictate the outcome.

If spin fishing, try using something with a more natural appearance, such as a soft bait or weighted fly and just like fly fishing, it could be worth a try stepping down in leader/trace thickness and length.

Lastly- the braided rivers look to offer some more settled flows this weekend finally, it would be an excellent opportunity to target sea-run brown trout if they remain lower in flow.

Have a fantastic high country opening!

Tight Lines from the Team at North Canterbury Fish & Game