The North Canterbury Region has an abundance of lakes that offer excellent fishing at different points of the season.

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 Introduction

North Canterbury is home to over twenty stunning high country lakes, offering a diverse range of freshwater fishing adventures. Whether you're stalking wary brown trout in a crystal-clear alpine tarn, casting from the shore, or trolling for landlocked salmon on a large lake, there's something here for every angler.

These lakes provide reliable year-round fishing, making them the perfect destination when rivers are running high or discoloured. Even in poor weather, you're likely to find a sheltered spot to fish somewhere among the lakes.

Getting There

The high country lakes of North Canterbury are grouped into three key regions: the Rakaia, Waimakariri, and Hurunui lake systems. Most of them are within a two-hour drive from Christchurch, making them easily accessible for a day trip or weekend adventure.

Rakaia Lakes

  • Route: Take SH73 to Darfield

  • Turn onto SH77 toward Rakaia Gorge Bridge

  • At Windwhistle, turn onto Coleridge Road

  • Cross the Acheron River, then turn right at the top of the Acheron Cutting

  • Follow Homestead Road, which leads to the heart of the Rakaia lakes system, including Lake Coleridge

Waimakariri Lakes

  • Accessed directly off State Highway 73

  • Look for access points between Porters Pass and Arthur’s Pass

  • These lakes are often nestled in picturesque alpine valleys and are ideal for sight fishing

Hurunui Lakes

  • Take SH1 north from Christchurch to Waipara

  • Turn onto SH7, continue to Waikari, then follow signs for Lake Sumner

  • Pass through Hawarden and into the upper Hurunui River valley

  • This route leads you to a mix of remote lakes and tarns surrounded by forested hills and tussock landscapes

The Rakaia Lakes

Lake Coleridge

Lake Coleridge is the largest and most popular lake for fishing in North Canterbury. It’s famous for its unique population of landlocked Chinook salmon, making it one of the few places in New Zealand where anglers can target this prized species.

Top access points for fishing Lake Coleridge include:

  • The Intake: Located off Mt Algidus Road, this is a convenient spot for launching boats or shore fishing.

  • Ryton Bay: To reach here, turn left off Harper Road just before the Ryton River Bridge.

  • Harper Bay: Continue along Harper Road after crossing the Ryton Bridge, pass through Harper Village, and then turn left after crossing the Harper River.

Each access point offers great opportunities to enjoy the spectacular scenery and test your skills on this iconic high country lake.

Lake Evelyn

Access to Lake Evelyn is via Harper Road. Anglers will find good shoreline fishing opportunities, especially along the far side of the lake.

Lake Selfe

The shingle fan on the northwestern shore of Lake Selfe is a favourite spot for spin anglers, offering great casting opportunities and promising fishing action.

Lake Henrietta

Lake Henrietta sees relatively little angling pressure due to its mostly swampy surroundings. However, patient and careful anglers can be well rewarded with some excellent fishing.

Lakes Ida and Little Ida

These lakes are reached via a walking track starting at a car park located between Lakes Evelyn and Selfe. The walk takes about 30 minutes.

Lake Catherine (Monck)

Also accessed from the same walking track as Lakes Ida, this route follows the Ryton River to the lake. Allow approximately one hour to reach Lake Catherine.

Lake Lilian

Lake Lilian is accessed through Glenthorne Station. Permission must be obtained from the station to use the road running up Harper Valley from the top of Lake Coleridge. After securing permission, drive along the southern side of the river to the Lilian Stream, then walk upstream for about 15 minutes to reach the lake.

Lake Georgina

A charming little lake that anglers can easily walk all the way around during a fishing session.

Lake Lyndon

Lake Lyndon offers excellent fishing opportunities and is easily accessible from multiple routes. Anglers can reach the lake via the Lyndon Road—also known as the Dry Weather Road—from Lake Coleridge, a scenic drive that winds through the surrounding high country. Alternatively, Lake Lyndon can be accessed directly from State Highway 73, just beyond Porters Pass, making it a convenient destination for those coming from Christchurch or the Canterbury Plains. The lake’s accessibility, combined with its natural beauty, makes it a popular spot for both casual and serious anglers alike.

Lake Rubicon

Nestled in the foothills east of Porters Pass, Lake Rubicon is a hidden gem that sees few visitors, offering anglers a peaceful and rewarding fishing experience. Access to the lake is through Brooksdale Station, which is reachable via State Highway 73, just a short distance east of Porters Pass. Anglers are advised to obtain permission from the station well in advance of their visit. From the homestead, it’s approximately a one-hour walk to reach the tranquil waters of Lake Rubicon, making it a perfect destination for those seeking solitude and a bit of adventure in their fishing trip.

The Waimakariri Lakes

Lake Sarah
To reach Lake Sarah, travel about 2 kilometers past Lake Grasmere along State Highway 73, then turn right onto Craigieburn Road. The lake is just a short five-minute drive down this road, making it an accessible and convenient spot for anglers looking to enjoy the Waimakariri Lakes.

Lake Grasmere

About 3 kilometres west of Lake Pearson on State Highway 73, look for a paddock marked with a Fish & Game access sign. Turn in here and follow the track down to the lake’s edge, where you can park and prepare for a great day of fishing. Lake Grasmere offers a tranquil setting with excellent shoreline access, making it a favorite spot for anglers seeking both brown and rainbow trout.

Lake Pearson

Lake Pearson is easily accessible via several small tracks branching off State Highway 73, each leading to convenient parking areas right at the water’s edge. This lake is particularly famous for its population of Mackinaw fish, also known as Lake Trout—a species that has struggled to establish elsewhere in New Zealand but thrives here. While Mackinaw remain rare, they coexist alongside healthy numbers of brown and rainbow trout, offering an exciting challenge for anglers. If you’re lucky enough to land a Mackinaw, we encourage you to share photos along with the date and time of your catch to contribute to the national fish log.

Lake Hawdon

To reach Lake Hawdon, continue along Craigieburn Road past Lake Sarah. Shortly after crossing the railway line for the fourth time, you’ll spot a track on the right-hand side. Note that vehicle access beyond this point is no longer permitted, so be prepared for a pleasant 15-minute walk to the lake. The effort is well worth it, as Lake Hawdon offers a peaceful fishing experience amid stunning natural surroundings.

Lake Marymere

Continue along Craigieburn Road for about 700 meters past the Lake Hawdon track, and you’ll see another track on the right. Vehicle access is restricted here as well, so you’ll need to enjoy a 15-minute walk to reach Lake Marymere. This peaceful spot rewards anglers willing to make the trek with excellent fishing and serene surroundings.

Lake Blackwater

Situated on Flockhill Station, Lake Blackwater is a tranquil fishing destination reached by a scenic one-hour walk from Craigieburn Road. Anglers wishing to access the lake must first obtain permission from the station to use the track.

Lake Letitia

To reach Lake Letitia, cross the Mt White Bridge over the Waimakariri River just beyond Cass township, then follow the shingle road downstream for about an hour until you arrive at Mt White Station Homestead. The lake lies at the end of the road, just past the station cookshop. Access requires prior permission from Mt White Station.

The Hurunui Lakes

Lake Sumner

Lake Sumner is one of the premier fishing destinations in the Hurunui Lakes area, renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and abundant trout populations. Anglers can drive directly to Loch Katrine via an unrestricted 4WD road, making it relatively accessible for most vehicles equipped for rough terrain. From Loch Katrine, a well-maintained foot track leads to the head of Lake Sumner, offering an opportunity to soak in the beautiful high-country environment on the way.

The lake is known for its healthy populations of both brown and rainbow trout, with many anglers targeting these species throughout the open fishing season. The surrounding area also offers a variety of walking tracks and camping spots, making it an excellent base for multi-day fishing trips. Whether you’re trolling from a boat or casting from the shore, Lake Sumner provides a rewarding experience amid some of North Canterbury’s most spectacular landscapes.

Loch Katrine

Loch Katrine is a charming lakeside settlement nestled at the head of the lake, popular with holiday-makers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This small cluster of huts offers a welcoming base for those exploring the surrounding high-country wilderness. Whether you’re here for fishing, hiking, or simply to enjoy the tranquil alpine environment, Loch Katrine provides convenient access to nearby lakes, rivers, and walking tracks. Its serene setting and community atmosphere make it a favorite spot for families and anglers seeking a peaceful getaway. 

Lake Mason

Lake Mason, along with nearby Little Lake Mason, is situated on Lake Taylor Station. Anglers and visitors must obtain permission from the station owners before driving to the lake. Alternatively, there is walking access to Lake Mason from Home Bay at Lake Sumner, offering a scenic route for those who prefer to approach on foot. The lake is known for its tranquil setting and quality fishing opportunities, making it a rewarding destination for those willing to make the journey.

Lake Taylor

Lake Taylor is a popular fishing and camping destination, attracting anglers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Surrounded by beautiful natural scenery, it offers excellent opportunities for trout fishing as well as a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The lake’s accessibility and well-maintained camping areas make it a favorite among families and anglers exploring the North Canterbury high country.

Lake Sheppard

Access to Lake Sheppard is via private land through the Lakes Station homestead. Visitors must obtain permission from Lakes Station prior to entering the property. Securing approval ensures respectful use of the land and helps maintain good relations with the station owners.

Lake Guyon

Lake Guyon offers a truly superb backcountry fishing experience. It’s accessible by a 2-3 hour hike or roughly an hour on a mountain bike. A Department of Conservation (DOC) hut near the lake provides accommodation, but due to its popularity in the warmer months, it can get busy—so bringing a tent is highly recommended for those seeking more solitude. Despite its popularity as a summer destination, the lake receives surprisingly light fishing pressure, making it an excellent spot for anglers with patience and a sense of adventure.

Methods

Trolling, spinning, and fly fishing are all popular techniques in the high country lakes, although it’s important to note that trolling and spinning aren’t permitted in every lake. Additionally, bait fishing is prohibited in all lakes to preserve the natural environment.

In larger lakes like Coleridge and Sumner, trolling from a motorised boat is a favored method. Anglers typically use lures such as Rapalas and Tasmanian Devils, trolling them at a slow, walking pace around drop-off zones—areas where the shallow margins suddenly deepen. Lures can be trolled directly from the rod tip using monofilament line or deployed deeper using a downrigger or leadline to reach fish holding in deeper water.

Spin fishing from the shore is legal in most lakes and tends to be most productive on windy days when trout are actively feeding. Position yourself at the downwind end of the lake and cast into the wind, targeting areas where fish are feeding on insects and small fish disturbed by the waves. Lures such as Tasmanian Devils and Tobys work well in smaller lakes, while heavier lures like ticers are preferred in deeper waters or windy conditions where longer casting distance is necessary.

Fly fishing is the most effective technique on calm days or when trout are feeding primarily on insects. Early in the season, blind fishing with dragonfly larvae imitations can be very productive. Cast into deep water and retrieve your fly steadily back along the drop-off ledge. As the season progresses, anglers often switch to targeting trout feeding in the shallows—casting dry flies or nymphs just ahead of cruising fish and giving the fly a subtle twitch when the trout approaches.

Regulations

A current sports fishing licence is required for both trout and salmon fishing in the high country lakes. Because the authorised fishing methods vary between lakes—such as restrictions on trolling, spinning, or bait fishing—it is essential to consult a current Regulation Guide before you begin your fishing trip to ensure compliance with local rules.

Further Information

The high country lakes sit at the base of the Southern Alps, where weather conditions can be highly unpredictable and change rapidly. Storms from the northwest and southwest can bring sudden rain, snow, and strong winds at any time of year. To avoid disappointment or potential danger, anglers are strongly advised to check the latest weather and river conditions before setting out.