Fishing report for the North Canterbury Region Friday 19th February 2021

Hello and welcome to the North Canterbury region fishing report. 

The weather looks fantastic this weekend for the whole region.  A big high is settling over the South Island until early next week. 

This time it looks as if we won’t have the dreaded easterlies that have plagued our summer so far. 

All the main alpine rivers are clearing and dropping fast. 

There is no rain forecast for the headwaters until mid-next week. 

Anglers targeting salmon may find the rivers a bit too clear for ideal conditions. 

However, the weather and lack of wind will be so good I think anglers should still try their luck. 

The lower Waimakariri River will probably be the best option on an outgoing tide.

Foothill streams are still holding their flows well considering we are well into February. 

There is no southerly rain forecast for a long time but for now, the flows are good and these streams should fish well this weekend with the calm conditions.

High country lakes would be a good option considering the weather forecast.

Cicadas have been very active recently in the high country. 

Temperatures are set to lift this weekend which will mean lots of insect activity for trout to surface feed. 

Shoreline anglers will enjoy the calm conditions and the trout giving away their positions by feeding off the surface.

Anglers wanting to troll this weekend will have great boating conditions may find the fish don’t take in the middle of the day. 

Trolling is best suited to the beginning and the end of the day. 

When there is a forecast like this the big lakes such as Coleridge or Sumner would be worth a look as it is so rare to have these lakes calm.

Back country fisheries will fish well this weekend, the flows are dropping but are still slightly higher than normal. 

Spotting conditions will be great given the forecast.  Trout are responding well to large dry flies and are actively feeding.

Fish & Game staff undertook a drift dive this week in two well known back country fisheries. 

Staff were impressed with the size of the fish which have kept their condition over the winter months after the mouse plague last summer. 

It was also great to see trout spread out through various types of holding water and were actively feeding. 

This is something I have not seen on these rivers for the last few years. 

Anglers are reminded that entries for the Rakaia Salmon Fishing Competition are closing this Friday (19^th February).  Remember this is not just about salmon, there are prizes for trout as well.  The prize pool for junior anglers is also very impressive.  Check out the following link to enter online.

rakaiasalmon.co.nz 

Tight lines

Tony Hawker

North Canterbury Fish & Game