Central South Island Weekly Fishing Report - 20 November 2025

The Tekapo River Produces the Goods

CSI Fish & Game staff member Hamish Stevens took his family for an overnight camping trip to the Tekapo River last weekend and the fishing did not disappoint.

His boys, Finn and Sefton, caught plenty of fish using a variety of soft baits.  A Hare’s Ear Nymph proved effective when they swapped spinning for their fly rods. Most fish were returned to the water for the next lucky angler, but they kept three well-conditioned fish for the BBQ that evening while camping.

Pictured above: Sefton Stevens, age 8, about to release a Tekapo River brown that succumbed to a well-presented soft bait.

Upon checking the stomach contents, they found the trout to be packed full of Dobson fly larvae or toe biters as they are commonly called, unfortunately they didn’t have a direct imitation fly, otherwise a few more fish may have found the net.

Didymo blooms can cause problems for nymphing in this river, however, they reported only occasionally having to clean their flies of the nuisance algae in the section they fished.

All in all, a memorable family overnight mission on the Tekapo River for the Stevens Whānau.

Finn Stevens, aged 13, with Tekapo River brown taken on a Hare’s Ear Nymph, released for another angler.

Christchurch Show Weekend Well Spent in Otematata

Thumbs up from Grace McCone, while trolling for her first ever fish on Lake Benmore.

Jackson Meecham, North Canterbury Fish & Game staff member and keen angler sent in this report from a weekend well spent down the Waitaki Lakes.

“Christchurch Anniversary Weekend was the perfect excuse to head south, so my partner Grace, her family, and I made tracks for Otematata to enjoy a few days at the batch and explore the local lakes. With calm, glassy mornings greeting us, the rods were packed, the boat was hitched, and Lake Benmore quickly became the plan.

We launched at Sailors Cutting and headed across toward the Ahuriri mouth. Recent heavy rain had left the water cloudy, so we ran a bright Halco and a dark Halco lures to cover all bases in the deeper water. After a few taps and no hookups, breakfast was starting to sound good, until one rod suddenly loaded up. A solid fish smashed the darker lure, and the rod bent hard.

This was Grace’s moment. I handed her the rod, set the drag, cleared the second line, and coached her through her first-ever trout fight: steady pressure, rod tip high, let the fish run. After a determined battle and one last burst of energy from the fish, a thick, beautifully conditioned 5lb brown trout slid into the net. Quick photo, careful release, huge smiles.

The luck didn’t stop there. That afternoon at the Otematata District Club, the $1,000 must-be-won draw rolled down the list until Grace’s name was called, and she was right there to claim it.

We squeezed in one more quick fish the next morning before heading our separate ways.  No hookups, but perfect conditions, good yarns, and the kind of weekend that reminds you why we fish: the people, the places, and the memories.

And while you're travelling, support the locals! Grab a coffee, fuel up, stop in for a yarn. If you’re passing through Kurow, drop into the Waitaki Hotel. You might even find Grace behind the bar, still buzzing from her first trout.”

Jackson Meecham nets a 5lb brown trout for Grace, caught on a dark-bodied Halco lure.

We Want to Hear Your Angler Stories

Wanda Swailes from South Africa (home of the rugby world champions – which she insisted we mention) with a brown trout she caught in the canals, kept for the smoker.

Whether it's a memorable trip, helpful techniques, a successful lure, or even a favourite recipe, we’d love to feature your contributions.

A tidy, respectful landscape (horizontal) photo makes for a professional presentation.

Every story helps to inspire and engage our CSI angler community.  Please email Jase at jvanbeers@fishandgame.org.nz with any stories you feel will be of interest.

New Regulation Sign at the Canals

CSI Fish & Game Ranger Jase Van Beers installs a new sign a Ruataniwha Point, the concrete dynabolt holes took some drilling!

A brand-new Fish & Game regulations sign has been installed at Ruataniwha Point, detailing the sports fishing regulations for Ōhau B canal and Lake Ruataniwha.

It also includes QR code links to buy a freshwater sports fishing licence and a link to the hydro canal access online pamphlet.

It is hoped that this sign will serve as a good reminder for casual anglers passing by of the requirements when sports fishing at the canals. 

Joint Effort to Assess the RDR Fish Screen

Phil De Joux and Rex Hobbs from McKinnon’s Hatchery RDR fish screen trap checking.

CSI Fish & Game, in conjunction with Rangitata Diversion Race Management Ltd (RDRML), Earth Sciences New Zealand (formerly NIWA) and McKinnon’s Creek Hatchery volunteers, undertook a trial of the RDRML fish screen earlier this month.

The trials’ purpose was to assess scale loss or damage ensuring fish are returned safely to the Rangitata.  It ran over three nights and required continuous monitoring of the trapping facility. Those who had monitored the graveyard shift sure had bug-eyes by the end of their duty.

Fin clipped hatchery fish that were released upstream of the screen were successfully diverted and captured in the bypass (return to river) trap.  A sample of successfully diverted clipped fish were then collected and will be analysed by the team at Earth Sciences New Zealand for scale loss/damage.

During the trial the team also managed to catch 27 wild salmon naturally migrating downstream so given the poor spawning in the past two seasons this was heartening to see.

A huge thank you to the McKinnon’s Hatchery volunteers and RDRML staff for making this trial possible to improve understanding around effective fish screening.

Up Before Dawn: Nikki’s Introduction to Tench Fishing

CSI Fish & Game staff member Nikki Dellaway with her first ever Tench! An impressive 4.5lbs fish.

Last Saturday CSI Fish & Game staff member Nikki Dellaway had the opportunity to go fishing for Tench.

“I’d never caught a Tench before so when the opportunity was presented to me, I had no dramas getting up at four o’clock in the morning to meet Ken at Island Stream by six o’clock on Saturday.

Tench have only just come out of hibernation due to the water temperatures rising, and this was the first organised Tench fishing trip of the season. 

As beginners’ luck would have it, it was my (borrowed) rod that caught the first fish that day, and I’m claiming it as the first of the season.

We could see the bubbles he made as he rooted around towards my bait, and he did manage to clean my hook twice before I succeeded in gently setting the hook on the third. 

I had a fun time fishing for Tench and have newfound respect for the fishing technique involved in catching this unique sports fish.  A big thanks to Ken and Hamish, my fishing buddies.”

If you’re keen to learn more about Tench fishing techniques, be sure to read and sign up for this month’s Reel Life newsletter — where Nikki breaks down the “how-to” in greater detail.

Time to Brush up on Boating Safety for Summer

A safe kayak angler hooks a trout while fishing Lake Alexandrina.

With summer on the horizon the lakes are calling, so time to brush up on your boating safety to help ensure a safe time out on the water.

Before heading out on the water, always prepare your vessel, check your gear, and know the safety rules.

The five key messages from the Safety Boating Code are:

• wear your lifejacket
• carry two waterproof ways to call for help
• check the marine weather forecast
• avoid alcohol
• Be a responsible skipper

In Canterbury, lifejackets must be worn at all times on boats 6m or less, except when tied up or anchored.

Weather can change quickly, especially on lakes, so always check high country forecasts and stay ashore if nor’wester winds are predicted. Boaties should also avoid alcohol, know their hazards, and ensure someone on land knows their plans.

The Canterbury Safer Boating Guide brings together all the key information you need to know if you’re heading out on CSI lakes, whether you’re on a boat, kayak, jet ski or paddle board.

The guide includes maps, the regional Navigation Safety Bylaws and safety information. This is essential reading for people of all experience levels, whether new to the water or a lifelong boatie. Download the guide, here.

Another Angler Access Mapping Option!

NZ Topo50 offline-South

We've recently teamed up with Right Place Resources Ltd, who own and operate the NZ Topo50 offline app, which many keen outdoors people in New Zealand use. We have done this to provide you with an offline option to view our angler access points.

Please watch our instructional video by Jase, on the basics of how to enable and use our access points on the NZ Topo50 offline South app.

Our own CSI angler access website is still the most accurate and detailed resource for CSI angler access. However, this new option provides a great alternative for the adventurous anglers who often find themselves out of cell coverage in the backcountry.

As always if you have any questions regarding fishing access don't hesitate to get in touch with us, please email csi@fishandgame.org.nz or call 03 615 8400

South Canterbury Anglers Club Lake Heron Trip Report

SCAC members enjoying a BBQ after a pleasant day fishing at Lake Heron.

The South Canterbury Anglers Club (SCAC) recently held their annual day trip to Lake Heron in the Ashburton Lakes area. 15 members attended, including three new members, with the youngest being 13 years old and the oldest being 82 years old.

The weather was calm and sunny and plenty of fish were observed.  However, they weren't aggressively feeding.  15 fish were landed with four kept for family meals. Those four all were full of dragon fly lava. A BBQ was held at the end of the day, and war stories were swapped.

David Pope took out the heaviest fish at 1.8 kg gutted and gilled and Garry Parker had the heaviest bag (2 fish).

If you’re interested in joining SCAC’s next trip — and you don’t have to be a member to come along — click here for more information about the South Canterbury Anglers Club.

Weather Outlook

With all the strong wind during spring we’re starting to see areas begin to dry out now with temperatures rising.

High country rivers are still running high and constantly getting bumps in flow from main divide rain and snow melting. However, low country river flow rates are certainly starting to drop to lower levels. This weekend would certainly be worthwhile targeting these rivers before water temperatures increase and fish activity decreases. 

The long range forecast according Metvuw.com shows that high pressure will increase around NZ for the next few days but will be centered offshore. A few showers are possible this weekend, but with large dry areas.

The Wind

According to YR.NO the winds in Temuka (low country) the predicted long-range forecast shows Saturday will see gentle to fresh breezes from the east predominantly throughout the day. Into Sunday you can expect gentle northeast winds in the morning before a light breeze westerly change in the afternoon.

Winds in Twizel (high country). Very light northeast to easterly winds throughout the weekend are forecasted.

The Flows

As of Thursday morning, the ECan River flow data website shows the following river flow rates read in cubic meters per second (m³/s). Click on the river name to go to the ECan website for more information.

• Ahuriri -  50.906
• Ashburton -  34.199
• Hakataramea - 2.666
• Ōhau – 13.547
• Ōpihi –  9.684
• Otematata - 4.527
• Pareora - 0.571
• Rangitata - 282.94
• Tekapo -  20.826
• Twizel –  10.49
• Waitaki -  351.021

Please always check the weather and waterway conditions yourself before heading out to ensure an enjoyable day on the water.

NOTICE BOARD

Department of Conservation - Geraldine

Next Tuesday the 25^th November DOC Geraldine have scheduled herbicide weed spraying at Maori Lakes in the Ashburton lakes. This will be done via helicopter boom spraying targeting grey willow seedling.

The relevant restrictions for five days within the sprayed area and up to 100m away from it are:

• Don’t take water for consumption
• Don’t gather food or fish from the waterway
• Don’t swim

DOC is the permission holder and if people want they can contact the DOC Geraldine Office.
Warning signs will be in place for each operation.

Please remember to email your angling reports to Fish & Game Officer, Jase Van Beers, at jvanbeers@fishandgame.org.nz. We’d love to hear from you!

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For any questions, please email csi@fishandgame.org.nz or call 03 615 8400.