Fishing with Young Anglers

Tips for a Fun and Memorable Fishing Experience with Kids

Fishing is about having fun—the catch is just a bonus! Use your time together to foster an appreciation for the great outdoors.

• Leave your fishing rod at home. This might sound odd, but not carrying your rod helps set the mindset that you’re taking the kids fishing, not the other way around.

• Choose spots with a high chance of success. Bait fishing often yields the most strikes, which keeps kids excited and engaged.

• Plan morning trips. Fish tend to bite better in the early hours, and the kids will have plenty of energy.

• Prioritize safety. Pick locations where children feel safe—avoid steep banks and fast-flowing water.

• Pick a sunny day with mild temperatures, but always pack a warm layer just in case the weather changes.

• Take frequent breaks. Bring along a ball, a book, or swimming gear to mix up the activities. Don’t forget plenty of snacks!

• Keep it short. Aim for trips lasting no more than a couple of hours to keep the fun alive.

• Be patient, take photos, and enjoy every moment!

Rotokohatu Lakes

Lake Rua is a popular swimming spot during Christchurch summers. What many don’t realize is that it’s stocked with salmon by Fish & Game for the winter months, making it a great fishing destination from April to November. Conveniently located close to Christchurch Airport, the lake also offers wheelchair and mobility-impaired access.

Please note: there may be swimmers in the lake, so stay safe and be considerate. Don’t forget to check the current fishing regulations before you go.

Lake Taylor

Lake Taylor is a well-known spot for brown trout fishing and camping, one of four fishable lakes in the Lake Sumner area. Access to areas above Lake Taylor is best suited for 4WD vehicles. During the summer months, spin fishing is the most effective technique to try.

Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine features a small settlement of huts and offers limited camping facilities. The lake is popular among spin fishermen targeting landlocked salmon. In summer, spin fishing using bubble and dry fly techniques tends to produce the best results.

Lake Pearson

Several small tracks branch off SH73, leading to parking areas right at the lake’s edge. Lake Pearson mainly holds brown trout, with some rainbow trout also present. Fishing tends to be better when the surface of the lake is ripply, making spin fishing the preferred method during rough conditions.

Kaiapoi River

The Kaiapoi River is renowned for its strong runs of salmon and is one of the rare places in New Zealand where salmon are regularly caught on bait—freshwater shrimp and whole pilchards being the top choices. The prime fishing stretch is between SH1 and the confluence with the Waimakariri River. Popular access points include the Hall Street boat ramp, Smith Street, and the town wharf, all located within Kaiapoi township. A variety of fishing methods work well here.

Waimakariri River

Good fishing can be found along the stretch from below the SH1 Bridge down to the Stewarts Gully Yacht Club. Sea-run brown trout are commonly caught here between October and February, and there’s also a chance to catch salmon. The most popular method is spin fishing using lures like the ‘Tassie Devil’ or “Veltic.” Anglers typically cast out and let the lure swing naturally with the current, fishing as deep as possible to entice the fish.

Groynes Lakes

Fishing at the Groynes Lakes is reserved exclusively for anglers under the age of 17. Located off Groynes Drive in Belfast, these lakes are closed to the public overnight, so be sure to check Christchurch City Council’s opening hours before planning your trip. Effective methods here include bubble and bait, spin fishing with small spinners, or heave and leave techniques.

Lower Selwyn

The best fishing in the Lower Selwyn River is found between Coes Ford and the Lower Huts area, with access via Lake Road near Springston South. Anglers have success using a variety of methods here including spin fishing, bubble and bait, and heave and leave techniques. This stretch offers good opportunities for trout, especially during favorable flow conditions.

Lake Lyndon

Lake Lyndon is accessible either from Lake Coleridge via the Lyndon Road (recommended only in dry weather) or directly off State Highway 73 just beyond Porters Pass. The lake supports healthy populations of both rainbow and brown trout. During the summer months, spin fishing, bubble and dry fly methods are particularly effective. Additionally, the heave and leave technique using a ‘Glo Bug’ lure proves productive, especially in the deeper parts of the lake.

Lake Georgina

Lake Georgina is a charming, smaller lake that offers the unique advantage of being walkable all the way around during a fishing session, providing ample access to varied fishing spots. To reach Lake Georgina, turn off Coleridge Road onto Homestead Road, then take a right onto Harper Road. The lake is the first one you’ll encounter on the right-hand side.

Fishing methods that work well here are similar to those effective at Lakes Pearson and Lyndon, including spin fishing, bubble, and dry fly techniques.

Important: Before heading out to any of these fishing locations, always check the current season’s regulations to ensure you’re fishing legally and responsibly.