Rakaia River

Introduction

Rising in the heart of the Southern Alps, the Rakaia River is a dynamic, snow-fed braided river known for its fast-changing conditions—particularly after alpine rain, when it can rise quickly and become unfishable in a matter of hours.

Despite its volatility, the Rakaia is regarded as one of New Zealand’s premier salmon fisheries, with sea-run salmon running from November to March. It also supports strong populations of sea-run brown trout in the lower reaches and resident trout in the middle and upper sections.

Getting There

Located just 60 kilometres southeast of Christchurch, the Rakaia River is easily accessible for both day trips and extended fishing missions.

• Main access points from Christchurch:

  • North Rakaia Huts

  • State Highway 1 Bridge

  • State Highway 77 Bridge

From these locations, roads run up both sides of the river, with marked access tracks leading to the water’s edge. Look for Fish & Game Angler Access signs—these indicate legal entry points and make navigating the area easier for visiting anglers.

The Mouth & Lagoon

The Rakaia River mouth is a prime destination for both salmon and sea-run trout fishing. With its ever-shifting gut, lagoon, and adjacent surf zone, this area provides varied and productive water for anglers willing to adapt to conditions.

Salmon Fishing

• Where to fish:

  • The surf (when calm and clear)

  • The gut (the narrowing section before the sea)

  • The lagoon during tidal movement

• Best time:

  • Mid-January to mid-March, particularly during the incoming tide when the current slows but hasn’t fully stalled

Sea-Run Trout Fishing

• Season: November to February

• Best conditions: When the river is discoloured—these trout feed aggressively on native smelt

• Best tide: Low tide, especially in shallow, fast-flowing riffles where trout are actively chasing food

Access Tips

• The river mouth is mobile, shifting location frequently—sometimes up to 4 km from the road end

• Access is available through hut settlements on both sides of the river

• Having an ATV or boat makes reaching the mouth much easier, especially when conditions are soft or the mouth is located further out

The Lower Reaches (Mouth to SH1)

This stretch of the Rakaia is the most heavily fished section of the river—and for good reason. When conditions align, it can produce decent salmon fishing.

Salmon Fishing Strategy

Following a flood, salmon move quickly upriver. As soon as the water begins to clear, this lower reach becomes prime fishing territory—but only for a short window. Anglers are advised to pick a promising spot and wait, rather than chasing moving fish.

• Best Time:

  • December through January is peak season

  • Salmon can continue to run into March, especially after freshes

• Top Technique:

  • Stay put and be patient—the fish will come to you

Access Points (South Side)

Access is easiest from the south bank, with a number of tracks leading off Acton Road:

• Dobbins Ford

• Griggs Road

• Maginisses

These areas provide direct access to deep, fish-holding water that clears quickly after a fresh.

The Middle Reaches (SH1 to SH77)

As salmon make their way upstream into the middle reaches, they begin to slow down and hold more frequently, making this stretch ideal for a more mobile approach.

Salmon Fishing Strategy

In contrast to the lower river, success here often comes to anglers who cover more water:

• Fish each pool or run a few times, then move on

• Use jet boats, ATVs, or drift boats to explore less-pressured water

• Look for resting spots—slower water, deeper pools, and behind structure

Access Points

Good access is available from both riverbanks, with key routes off the Rakaia Terrace Road and Rakaia-Methven Road.

• Notable access spots include:

  • Lowes Cutting

  • Sleemans Road

  • Steels Road

  • Te Pirita Road

These roads lead to side channels, pools, and braids that can hold salmon during the season.

The Upper Reaches (Above SH77)

Above the State Highway 77 Bridge, the Rakaia River becomes more remote and scenic, with fewer anglers and more opportunity for solitude. While salmon may lose condition by the time they reach this stretch, the reward is found in the spectacular alpine surroundings and the unique fishing experience it offers.

Salmon Fishing

• Best Time: January to March

• Where to Fish: The gorge section is accessible only by jet boat, but about 10 km above the gorge, the riverbed begins to open up, offering walk-in access—especially from the Double Hill Run Road (south side).

• Kowhai Flat is a popular access point and campsite for anglers looking to explore this upper section.

⚠️ Important: Salmon fishing is not permitted beyond the white marker posts just before the Lake Coleridge Tailrace. Always check the latest regulations and access maps before you fish.

Trout Fishing

Resident trout fishing in the upper Rakaia can be excellent, especially in deep pools with permanent flow and large boulders for cover. Several spring-fed tributaries feed into this section and offer clear water and consistent trout action, regardless of the main river’s flow or clarity.

Methods

Salmon Fishing

The Rakaia is a fast, powerful river, so spin fishing is the most effective method for targeting salmon.

• Rod: Medium-heavy action, 2–2.5 metres

• Reel: Fixed or free spool, with capacity for 200m of 7–10kg line

• Lures:

  • Zed Spinners

  • Colorado Spoons

  • Surf anglers prefer heavier options like ticers or slices, designed for long-distance casting

Tips for Success:

• Fish your lure as close to the bottom as possible—salmon in freshwater do not feed and must be provoked into striking.

• Target slow water near the main current, especially around deep pools and edges—not in shallow side braids.

• In the surf, keep lures mid-water and use long rods with fast retrieve reels to maintain good control and casting distance.

Sea-Run Brown Trout

Sea-run browns are best targeted using streamer flies that imitate native smelt.

• Top patterns:

  • Parsons Glory

  • Hope’s Silvery

  • Yellow Rabbit (Sizes 2–6)

• Gear:

  • Heavy fly rod with fast-sinking line,

  • Or spinning gear with a lure rod, monofilament line, and a lead sinker

Best Time:

The last hour of daylight—especially on warm evenings when smelt are active.

Upriver Trout Fishing

The silt-rich waters of the Rakaia make sight fishing challenging, so most anglers rely on blind fishing techniques.

• Spin Fishing:

  • Use Black Toby or Tasmanian Devil lures

• Fly Fishing:

  • Streamer flies or weighted nymphs work best

  • Dry fly fishing is less effective due to the lack of consistent hatches

Although brown trout are most common, you’ll also find rainbow trout in the upper reaches and clear tributary streams—especially near spring-fed inflows.

Regulations

Before heading out, make sure you're correctly licensed and up to date with the latest fishing rules.

✔️ Licensing Requirements

• A current Sports Fishing Licence is required for all trout fishing.

• If you’re targeting salmon (or fishing within 500 metres of the river mouth), a Sea-Run Salmon Licence is also required.

Always check the latest Regulation Guide before you fish.

Learn more about sea-run salmon licence rules and FAQs:
Sea-Run Salmon Angler FAQs

Further Information

The Rakaia River and its surf zone are known for dramatic changes in water conditions. Heavy rainfall and sudden alpine runoff can cause rapid flooding and unsafe fishing conditions. For both your safety and success, it’s crucial to check river flows before your trip.

Real-Time River Conditions

Stay informed with Environment Canterbury's flow tracking:

ECan River Flow Service

This service provides live flow data at the Rakaia Gorge—a key indicator of fishability.

When Is It Fishable?

• Trout fishing: Ideal when flows drop below 240 cumecs

• Salmon fishing: Best when flows are below 180 cumecs

Tip: The river often clears in the lower reaches first. A dropping river after a flood can signal the start of excellent fishing.