CSI Weekly Fishing Report - 5 March 2026

PB from the Ōpihi

A PB or personal best fish from a particular waterway is always a special catch to remember.

Rhys Adams achieved his PB brown trout, weighing just over 7.5 pounds from the Ōpihi in late February.“Not only was this fish nearly 2 pounds bigger than the next biggest fish I have caught in the Ōpihi, but it was also easily the best condition fish I’ve caught there too. The photo doesn’t really do justice to its phenomenal condition,” said Rhys. The successful fly will be kept a secret, but Rhys provides a hint, “big fish like big meals.”

 

From Tasmania to the Mainland: A Fishing Friendship

Australian fly-fishing legend Malcolm Crosse with a fine Lake Aviemore rainbow trout.

Angler Gerry Power kindly sent in this article about his mate Malcolm.

Each year — and for quite a few now — I’ve had the privilege of fishing with a gentleman I first met on an organised trip to Tasmania back in 2012.

Since 2013, Malcolm and Kaylene Crosse have made regular trips to New Zealand, spending time fishing in the North Island before travelling south to visit us here in the mainland. Together we’ve shared many memorable days on the water.

Malcolm is well known in the world of competitive fly fishing. He has represented Australia internationally, authored Australia’s Best Trout Flies, and has been a tireless promoter of the sport. In 2023 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in recognition of his service to fly fishing. Kaylene has supported Malcolm every step of the way and has contributed greatly herself, serving as a scorer at fly fishing tournaments around the world.

Together this year we fished Lake Aviemore, near the Otematata River mouth, after I’d picked up a solid rainbow there solo the day before. All the fish we caught were in the 4–5lb range and in excellent condition.

While standing at one of our favourite spots, Malcolm summed it up perfectly:

“The quality of the fish and the fishing is some of the best in the world.”

 

Ōhau River “Spring Season” Controlled Period Ballot

Ryan Isherwood with a huge rainbow caught during allocation 3 of last year’s ballot.

The schedule for the Upper Ōhau spring season ballot for the upcoming 2026 controlled period is now posted on our website here.

If you are keen to enter the ballot, please sit tight, you’ll have to wait until the ballot opens for entries which is from 24 June to 15 July 2026.  We recommend setting a reminder or to mark it on your calendar.

If you would like to learn more about the fishing and management of this one-of-a-kind fishery please read our 2025 Spring Season management report here.   

Please note that there has been a change to the ballot schedule.  To understand the reason for this change please read the management report using the link above.

 

Sea-run Salmon Monitoring Update

Hopeful Rangitata salmon anglers heading down to the mouth this month.

Last season’s 2024/25 Sea-run Salmon Returns report has been published and is available for you to read here.

We estimated that 174 sea-run salmon were harvested across North Canterbury and CSI last season.

The combined live salmon spawning estimate for the Rakaia, Rangitata/Rakitata and Waimakariri was 900 salmon, placing the status of the fishery in the ‘severe’ management band.  This resulted in the season bag limit of 1 salmon being set for the current season.

The combined total wild run for the three indicator rivers (Waimakariri, Rakaia and Rangitata) in the 2024/25 season was 1,025 salmon.

Thanks to all those anglers who participated in the sea-run salmon harvest survey, contributing to the valuable annual sea-run salmon monitoring data presented in the report.

If you have harvested your season bag limit for this current season, please return your card via the online return form here.

 

Weather Outlook

Today and tomorrow we’ll see high pressure and mostly dry skies, lighter winds and temperatures have lifted as subtropical and/or nor'westers return.

But this weekend another, weaker, southerly flow moves up the South Island on Saturday and fades out by Sunday, bringing another small temperature drop. Next week again kicks off mainly dry and becoming warmer again. Autumn has arrived.

The Wind

According to YR.NO, the winds in Temuka (low country) for Saturday are predicted to be light westerly breezes in the morning, changing to a gentle breeze from the southeast in the afternoon. Sunday sees gentle breezes from the west.

Winds in Twizel (high country).  Saturday will see a calm early morning, then light air from the southeast late morning, before changing to a gentle westerly breeze in the afternoon. Sunday is predicted to have light air from the west in the morning and calm in the afternoon.

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 -  11.332
• Ashburton -  31.651
• Hakataramea - 3.312
• Ōpihi –  14.933
• Otematata - 6.454
• Rangitata - 65.743
• Tekapo -  9.743
• Twizel –  3.383
• Waitaki -  538.605

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

 

NOTICE BOARD

Return Your Sea-Run Salmon Bag Card

If you have finished your sea-run salmon fishing for the season, please remember to return the details of your salmon bag card to us.  Even if you didn’t go fishing, or catch or keep any sea-run salmon, your information is very important.

You can do this online by clicking here, give us a call on 03 615 8400, or email csi@fishandgame.org.nz or post the card to us at P.O Box 150 Temuka 7948. 

 

Send us your Fishing Reports!

Whilst this report is crafted by the CSI Fish & Game team, it’s your stories that truly bring it to life. We’d love to hear about your own fishing adventures. Please share your short trip reports, photos, go-to lures, or favourite recipes etc.

Email your reports to Fish & Game Officer Jase Van Beers at jvanbeers@fishandgame.org.nz

 

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