Hurunui River

Introduction

Set against a backdrop of rugged hills and winding valleys, the Hurunui River offers a more tranquil and intimate fishing experience than the larger braided rivers to the south. Renowned for holding North Canterbury’s healthiest populations of brown trout and attracting seasonal runs of sea-run salmon, the Hurunui is a hidden gem for freshwater anglers. Its scenic beauty and relative seclusion reward those who venture off the beaten path with memorable angling opportunities.

Getting There

Located approximately 90 kilometres north of Christchurch, the Hurunui River is easily reached via State Highway 1. Anglers can access the lower reaches through a network of side roads branching off the highway. Several bridges, especially around the middle section, provide convenient access points, including the Balmoral Bridge on State Highway 7. For those heading to the upper reaches, follow Lake Sumner Road, which leads you closer to the river’s pristine source.

The Hurunui River Experience

Rivermouth and Lower Reaches
The Hurunui Rivermouth is a favourite among salmon anglers from North Canterbury and Marlborough. Surfcasting is especially effective here when river levels are low and salmon gather offshore, awaiting a fresh to begin their upstream journey. The southern side of the surf often outperforms the northern, although conditions can shift rapidly with changing tides and wind.
Fishing is best at low tide and during the early incoming tide, with dawn often yielding the most action regardless of tide. When salmon begin to enter the river, the river mouth gut becomes a hotspot, particularly during the top half of the incoming tide following a fresh.

Middle Reaches
The middle Hurunui, particularly near the Balmoral Bridge, is one of the easiest sections to access and a reliable location to target salmon once the river clears after rain. Salmon fishing is most productive from mid-January to mid-March. Brown trout, present year-round, can be found throughout this section—look for deeper pools and rocky cover where trout lie in wait to feed.

Upper Reaches and Beyond
Trout anglers willing to venture upstream will be well rewarded. Above the Mandamus confluence, the river becomes harder to access through the gorge, but opens up beautifully near Maori Gully. Here, Lake Sumner Road runs close to the river, revealing one of the most productive trout fishing stretches in New Zealand. Thanks to the lake-fed headwaters, this upper section often remains clear and fishable even when the lower river is discoloured.

For those seeking solitude and spectacular backcountry angling, the stretch from the Sisters Stream Footbridge up to the lake outlet offers walk-in access only, preserving the pristine character of this exceptional fishery.

Methods

Salmon Fishing

Spin fishing is the most effective and popular method for targeting salmon in the Hurunui River.

At the Rivermouth:
Anglers fishing the surf should use a medium-fast action rod between 2 to 2.5 metres, paired with a fixed or free spool reel capable of holding at least 200 metres of 8–10kg line. This setup is well-suited for casting distance and handling strong sea-run salmon.

Upriver Fishing:
In the river’s middle and upper reaches—where the water often runs low and clear—a lighter tackle setup is preferred. A rod and reel spooled with 6–7kg line provides better sensitivity and control in these conditions. Focus on deeper, slower-moving water near rocky bluffs or outcrops, where salmon tend to rest during their upstream migration.

Best Lures and Techniques:
Zed spinners weighing between 10 and 22 grams are the go-to lure choice for salmon here. These should be fished close to the riverbed for the best chance of a strike. For those looking to take on the challenge of fly fishing for salmon, the Hurunui’s more manageable flows (compared to larger southern rivers) offer a good opportunity. Streamer flies fished with sinking lines, particularly in pool tails and slower water, can be surprisingly effective.

Important: The sea-run salmon fishing upper limit for the Hurunui River is the South Branch Confluence. Always refer to the latest fishing regulations before your trip.

Trout Fishing

The Hurunui River supports excellent trout fishing, with opportunities for both spin and fly anglers across its length.

Spin & Soft Bait:
Spinning is ideal when the river is discoloured, with well-sinking lures like Tasmanian Devils or Tobys performing best in calm water near the head of pools.

Fly Fishing:
Fly fishing comes into its own when the water is clear. Spotting and stalking trout is the preferred method, especially during low flows. Dry flies and weighted nymphs, presented upstream on a floating line, are widely used and highly effective.

Headwaters & Tributaries:
In the upper reaches and tributaries, trout are more cautious and demand a stealthy approach. Stand well back from the riverbank and visually locate fish before casting. Small, fast-sinking nymphs—particularly tungsten beadhead patterns—work best. In the more turbulent pocket water of the North Branch below Lake Sumner, blind nymphing can also produce good results.

Regulations & Licensing

Please be aware of the following before fishing the Hurunui River:

• The upper reaches (North and South Branches) are controlled fisheries, managed under special access rules. More info is available here: Upper Hurunui River Controlled Fishery.

• A current Fish & Game sports fishing licence is required for all trout fishing.

• A sea-run salmon licence is mandatory when targeting salmon in the river or within 500 metres of its mouth.

• Always consult the latest Regulation Guide to ensure compliance with local rules and seasonal limits.

Further Information: Check Conditions Before You Go

Fishing conditions on the Hurunui River can change quickly, with floods occurring regularly throughout the season. These fluctuations not only affect fish behaviour but can also create safety risks and limit access along the riverbanks.

To avoid disappointment—or danger—it’s essential to check river conditions before heading out.

✅ Check River Flows Here:

ECan River Flow Service

This real-time service provides up-to-date flow data for the Hurunui River, particularly at the Gorge monitoring point.

• General rule: The river usually becomes fishable once flows drop below 35 cumecs.

• For upper river trout fishing: Ideal conditions are 25 cumecs or less, offering better water clarity and easier access along the banks.

Keeping an eye on river levels is the best way to plan a safe and successful trip.