Close to Christchurch City

Introduction

Christchurch City and its surrounding areas boast an abundance of accessible spots for trout and salmon fishing. While these waters may not always match the catch rates of high country lakes and rivers, they offer a quick, convenient escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. These local fisheries are also a favorite among visitors who want to enjoy quality fishing without traveling far from Christchurch.

Getting There

All the fishing locations described are within a 45-minute drive of Christchurch City, making them ideal for day trips or short outings. The lower Rakaia River, Lake Ellesmere, and its southwestern tributaries can be reached by driving through the township of Lincoln, then heading south towards Leeston. Lake Forsyth and the northeastern tributaries of Lake Ellesmere are accessed from the Akaroa Highway. For rivers north of Christchurch, access is available off State Highway 1 along the route to Amberley and Kaikoura.

Places to Fish

The Ashley River exemplifies many of Canterbury’s small to medium-sized rivers, often running very low during the summer months. The prime fishing window is from October through December in the lower reaches. Upstream of Rangiora, fishing conditions tend to remain favorable throughout the season. Key access points include the Waikuku Beach township, the SH1 Bridge, and the bridge just north of Rangiora, offering anglers convenient entry to productive fishing waters.

The Cust River

The Cust River offers excellent brown trout fishing in the spring, especially when river flows are healthy. Anglers can access the river off the Rangiora-Cust Road and the Ohoka-Rangiora Road, with Skew Bridge being a particularly popular entry point. Much of the Cust River runs through private land, so it’s important to seek permission from landowners before fishing.

The Cam River

The Cam River supports a solid population of brown trout, typically ranging from one to four pounds. Anglers can access the river at several points: the Tuahiwi end of Bramleys Road, Youngs Road (which branches off Lineside Road between Kaiapoi and Rangiora), and from the Lower Camside Road bridge on the northwestern side of Kaiapoi.

The Styx River

The Styx River is a smaller stream that offers its best fishing in spring and autumn, particularly around dusk. Good access points include Spencerville Road, Lower Styx Road, and Kainga Road.

The Kaiapoi River

The Kaiapoi River fishes best in the stretch between State Highway 1 and its confluence with the Waimakariri River. Anglers can access this section at the Hall Street boat ramp and Smith Street, both located within the township of Kaiapoi. The upper Kaiapoi River, also known as Silverstream, provides quality spring creek trout fishing. Because much of this upper section is on private property, always check with landowners before fishing.

The Waimakariri River

For detailed information, see the separate dedicated page on the Waimakariri River.

The Otukaikino River / South Branch

This charming spring creek supports healthy populations of smaller trout and is a very popular “after work” fishery. In autumn, the river also hosts good runs of larger spawning trout. The most common access points are the Dickies Road Bridge—accessible by turning left off SH1 just before leaving Belfast and traveling a short distance down Dickies Road—and through Groynes Park, located off Johns Road between the Airport and Belfast.

The Avon and Heathcote Rivers

Flowing through Christchurch City, both the Avon and Heathcote Rivers provide excellent fishing opportunities for junior anglers and beginners. Access along these rivers is very good, but anglers should always check current regulations for any closed areas or seasonal restrictions before fishing.

The Okana River (Little River)

The Okana River, near Little River, supports populations of brown trout and can offer very good fishing, especially in the spring months. Public access to the lower reaches is available via a gate on the right-hand side of the road opposite the Little River Hotel.

Lake Forsyth

Lake Forsyth is at its best for fishing during the spring, particularly when the lake has recently been opened to the sea. One of the prime fishing spots is where the Akaroa Highway runs closest to the lake, just after the Birdlings Flat turn-off.

The Kaituna River

The Kaituna River area, just above its confluence with Lake Ellesmere, provides some of the best fishing in the region, especially during spring. Anglers can access this stretch directly from the Akaroa Highway.

The Halswell River

Flowing from near Halswell township down to Lake Ellesmere, the Halswell River passes through a mix of public and private lands and crosses under several bridges. Access to the river’s mouth is available at the point where it intersects with Seabridge Road, on either bank just south of Motukarara.

Tributaries of Lake Ellesmere

While the lake itself can be challenging, the tributaries feeding Lake Ellesmere generally offer better fishing opportunities. Notably, good sea-run trout fishing can occur at Taumutu when the lake is open to the sea. Access the fishing spots via the track off Gullivers Road that leads out to the beach.

The LII River

The LII River fishes best in spring and early summer, particularly in the reach just above Lake Ellesmere during dark nights. Anglers can access the river at Wolfes Road by following the road to its end or via the main Selwyn Huts Road.

The Selwyn River

The Selwyn River supports good numbers of brown trout, especially in the lower reaches, although the middle sections often run dry during summer. Access along the river is generally good from Upper Selwyn Huts to the river mouth. Above the Upper Huts, the Selwyn transforms into a delightful, meandering stream featuring pools and riffles. Coes Ford is the most popular access point to fish this picturesque section.

The Irwell River

The Irwell River offers good fishing opportunities but is also prone to low water flows, especially during dry spells. To access the river, cross Coes Ford and continue along Lake Road until it crosses the river, just past the intersection of Lake Road and Lake Road South. Take the first left after the bridge onto Hanmer Road, then cross a wooden bridge and turn left onto Aitkens Road. This road leads directly out to the river, providing convenient access for anglers.

Harts Creek

Harts Creek is a well-regarded fly fishing stream, particularly near its mouth. To reach Harts Creek, follow Lake Road to the intersection with Timber Yard Road (heading south). Turn left onto Timber Yard Road, then take the next left onto a small bridge not far from the corner. The creek’s mouth is known for excellent fishing after dark, while the stretch between the car park and the mouth offers productive fly fishing throughout daylight hours.

The Rakaia River

See separate page for detailed information.

Methods

For trout fishing in most low-country streams, bait fishing, spinning, and fly fishing are all legal methods—however, it’s important to check the current regulation guide for specific details. When fishing small spring-fed streams during daylight hours, anglers are encouraged to use lightweight fly fishing tackle to entice the often fussy fish that inhabit these waters. After-dark fishing with streamer flies on floating or slow-sinking lines is particularly effective, especially in the lower reaches of Lake Ellesmere’s tributaries.

Spin fishing is very effective in the larger rivers, especially when the water carries some colour following a fresh or rain event. Recommended lures include those that cast far and sink well, such as the Toby, Tasmanian Devil, or smaller ticer models.

Bait fishing is productive in smaller, sluggish streams like the lower Selwyn River. Common baits include worms, freshwater shrimp, or live cockabullies (a small native fish), typically fished on the bottom with a small weight.

Regulations

A current sports fishing licence is required for trout and salmon fishing in all freshwater bodies, as well as within 500 metres of where any river flows into the sea. Always consult the latest Regulation Guide before you begin fishing to ensure compliance.

Further Information

The rivers near Christchurch are generally stable, remaining clear and fishable much of the time. However, larger rivers such as the Ashley, Waimakariri, and Rakaia frequently flood, so anglers are strongly advised to check river conditions before setting out. Additionally, Canterbury’s weather is notoriously changeable—monitor the forecast carefully to avoid being caught in sudden storms or adverse conditions.