Lake Coleridge Competition 2024 Recap

Lake Coleridge Competition November 2024 Recap

The Lake Coleridge Opening Day Fishing Competition is a significant annual event and a helpful opportunity for Fish & Game to annually monitor the condition of sports fish at the start of the season. The data collected from trout and salmon at this event helps us to track and better understand variations in fish population dynamics and recruitment cycles over time.

Despite a bad weather forecast, anglers rose to the challenge on opening day, with many out on the water at dawn. Despite the weather forecast, participation remained strong, with a significant number of anglers taking part, some even camping overnight at the Harper Campsite near the top end of the lake to make the most of the annual opening day event.

Rangers, both staff and honorary, were on hand throughout the weekend, engaging with anglers and managing the Fish & Game entry tent, as well as the popular sausage sizzle. A total of 125 anglers entered our celebratory opening day competition. Despite the windy and rainy weather conditions, 54 fish were submitted for judging on opening day before 1.30 pm. Due to the harsh weather conditions, many anglers opted not to enter the spot prize draw, choosing instead to escape the wet and windy conditions.

Although the competition officially ended on Saturday afternoon, the Sunday of the opening weekend provided anglers with excellent weather and fantastic fishing conditions. Reports received by North Canterbury Fish & Game indicated that many anglers were not only reaching their bag limits but also releasing numerous fish along the way. This reflects the thriving health of the wild Lake Coleridge fishery. Data from Fish & Game's opening day competition demonstrates that over the last 16+ years, the condition factor and weight have improved considerably. Reflecting on improvements to food sources and temperature regime in the lake, it is clear that rainbow and brown trout, as well as salmon, have all shown improvement in condition, particularly over the past four seasons.

The following graph represents the proportion of each species being submitted into the Lake Coleridge fishing competition since 2008, while there were fewer salmon in 2024, there were significantly more rainbow trout, with the majority of these being in in excellent condition. Salmon and rainbow trout use the same open water areas of Lake Coleridge (called the limnetic zone).  Below, the graph highlights that over time, the type and proportions of sports fish species caught by anglers change in response to the interactions between them competing for space and similar food resources. For example, in years when the number of rainbow trout caught by anglers is higher, the numbers and relative proportion of salmon are lower. This is a helpful illustration of both species competing for the same food resources.

Looking to the future

The annual Lake Coleridge Fishing Competition is a significant event to connect with and enjoy one of the region’s great lakes. It also offers a very helpful opportunity for Fish & Game to annually evaluate and track the condition of sports fish at the start of each season. In response to valuable feedback from anglers, sponsors, elected council, and other key stakeholders, North Canterbury Fish & Game will be conducting a comprehensive review of several important aspects of the competition moving forward. Areas of consideration include:

• Competition Format: Evaluating the timing and structure, such as the option of holding the event on both Saturday and Sunday rather than just Saturday to help reduce the influence of bad weather conditions.
• Judging Criteria: Review competition rules and categories to explore ways to include and reward information collected from fish that are caught and released.
• Prize Categories: Review of which prize categories would be most suitable for a potential new and revised competition format.
• Location: Consider a range of venue alternatives in the Lake Coleridge area for future events to ensure they are accessible and suitable for all parties under variable weather conditions. 

 

North Canterbury Fish & Game will keep anglers informed as decisions are made regarding the future direction of the competition.

We would also like to extend our congratulations to all the prize winners and participants of the 2024 Lake Coleridge Fishing Competition. A big thank you to Hunting & Fishing Christchurch, North Canterbury, and Ashburton for their generous sponsorship and support of the event and its prizes.