Merry Christmas!

Reg the Rainbow Trout is wishing you all a Merry Christmas.

The entire team here at North Canterbury Fish & Game hopes you all had a fantastic Christmas yesterday.

For many, Christmas is that rare moment to slow down, gather with the people who matter most, enjoy good company and good food, and if you were lucky, unbox a few new treats for the tackle kit courtesy of Santa.

Today kicks off the Boxing Day sales, and there are some seriously sharp deals rolling out over the next few days. It’s the perfect time to grab those fishing essentials that didn’t quite make it into your stocking. And if you’re heading away for a New Year getaway, you won’t miss out—most of the towns you’ll pass through have great outdoor and sports stores, usually stocked just as well as your favourites back home, and often running the same offers.

If you’re hitting the road, remember this: your holiday starts the moment you turn the key, not when you reach your destination. You’ll pass an endless string of lakes, rivers, canals and streams on the way—each one holding real potential. Keep a few snacks handy, stash the rod within reach, and stay alert. The fish of a lifetime might be sitting in water you’ve driven past a hundred times but never stopped to explore. It’s also a fantastic way to tick off new spots and keep growing your angling skills.

For those staying local this holiday period, you’re in a sweet spot. With so many anglers heading out of the district, the local water is wide open. Less pressure, fewer footprints, and more opportunity. An early start will still give you the edge, but you’ll be sharing the water with far fewer people, making for a calm, rewarding day on your home turf.

Wherever you’re spending the break, we hope your holidays are full of tight lines, good weather, and great memories.

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Summer is here, and with it comes the busy season on our lakes and rivers.

Across Waitaha Canterbury, the Check, Clean, Dry programme is working hard to protect our waterways from invasive freshwater pests like hornwort and lagarosiphon. These pests can easily travel on your wet gear, boat, or even the soles of your shoes, turning up in your favourite lake or river and ruining the places you love to fish, swim, or paddle. 

The solution is simple: before you move between rivers and lakes, always check your gear for debris, clean it thoroughly, and dry it completely. It’s a small step that makes a big difference. 

To help spread the word, we’ve welcomed two freshwater advocates to the region this summer. You’ll see them at popular spots around Lake Takapō and other Waitaha Canterbury waterways, chatting with visitors and locals, answering questions, and showing just how easy it is to follow the Check, Clean, Dry steps. 

Why does this matter?

Once invasive species take hold, they’re almost impossible to remove. They can smother riverbeds, disrupt food chains, and impact tourism and local economies. Prevention is our best defence, and it starts with each of us. By taking a few minutes to check, clean, and dry your gear every time, you’re helping to protect the unique beauty and biodiversity of our lakes and rivers. Together, we can keep Takapō and the wider region pristine for all who love it.

Looking Beyond The Normal 

A brown trout actively feeding in Christchurch earlier this week, photo taken through polarised glasses.

Earlier this week, with the school holidays in full swing and many people already clocked off for the Christmas break, our staff took the opportunity to check out some of the more local fisheries around Christchurch. The goal was simple: see who had managed to sneak away from the Christmas shopping to flick a line or cast a lure close to home.

It was great to see a wide range of anglers out on the water — young and old, novice and experienced alike — making the most of these accessible local spots. Staff also spent time assessing fish numbers and density in several areas and were reasonably impressed with what they found. High-quality brown trout are living right under the noses of Cantabrians.

While fish densities aren’t what they once were in some locations that historically held stronger numbers, the fish are still there for those willing to put in the time to look for them. These fisheries offer enjoyable, close-to-home fishing — perfect for popping down for a quick look when time is limited during what is often a very busy time of year.

A spooked brown trout returns under the trees for cover, photo taken through polarised glasses.

Urban fish can be easily spooked, as they are well accustomed to people being around them. However, this also means they tend to return to feeding more quickly than some backcountry browns. Sitting down out of sight for a few moments and observing the fish often pays off, with many returning to feed and offering another opportunity for anglers.

When fishing in populated areas, please remember to be courteous to other members of the public. You don’t own the river — it’s a shared space, enjoyed by the wider community for a range of activities on and around the water. Be sure to check regulations as well, as some areas are closed year-round. Make sure you’re fishing in the right places before heading out.

We also encourage anglers to practice catch and release where appropriate, helping ensure these fish can continue to be enjoyed by others well into the future.

Holiday Period Fishing Reports

Over the holiday period this year, there is no need to worry, Fishing Reports will continue at the same however, we will be stopping video reports until the 15th of January 2025. This is to allow for staff leave and continue to provide anglers with the highest quality communications. To substitute this, we will be providing our email reports weekly during this period. 

Schedule for Holiday Period

• This Report
• Friday 2nd January 2026 (email and website report) 
• Thursday 8th January 2026 (email and website report) 
• Thursday 15th January 2026 Video Reports Return (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube)

Tackle Tip Of The Week

Why Polarised Sunglasses Are a Must-Have for Every Angler

Amber / Copper Lens Option

If there’s one piece of gear that benefits every angler—regardless of skill level, it’s a good pair of polarised sunglasses. They’re far more than just eye protection; they’re a genuine fishing tool that can completely change how you read the water and spot fish.

See Through Glare Like Magic

The biggest advantage of polarised lenses is their ability to cut through surface glare. On bright days, especially on lakes, rivers, and estuaries, the sun reflects off the water and hides everything beneath.
Polarised glasses filter out that horizontal glare, giving you a clear view into the water column. This helps you:

• Spot cruising trout
• Identify drop-offs, weed beds, and structures
• Choose the best travel line when wading or boating

Green Mirror Lens Option

Safety First

Fishing often means sharp hooks, flying lures, and branches snapping back when bush-bashing to a river. Your eyes are one of your most vulnerable assets.
Polarised glasses act as a protective shield, reducing the risk of injury when:

• Casting in windy conditions
• Fishing with others nearby

Reduced Eye Strain

Long days on the water can leave your eyes tired, sore, and dry—especially in strong sunlight.
Polarised lenses soften harsh reflections and brightness, helping you stay comfortable and focused throughout the session. That can make all the difference when you're scanning water for that next rise or cruising fish.

Yellow / Gold Lens Option

Choosing the Right Lens Colour

The lens tint you choose affects how well you see in different conditions:

• Amber / Copper: Best all-rounders—ideal for rivers, lakes, and variable light.
• Yellow / Gold: Great in low-light conditions like early morning, evening, or cloudy days.
• Grey / Smoke: Perfect for bright, open-water environments.
• Green Mirror: Excellent for sunny days with mixed conditions.

Having more than one lens option lets you adapt to whatever the day throws at you.

Grey / Smoke Lens Option

Fit Matters

A wrap-around style helps block side glare and keeps the lenses close to your face, giving you a wide, uninterrupted view. Non-slip nose pads and temples are also useful on hot, sweaty days.

Bottom Line

Polarised sunglasses aren’t just for comfort—they're a genuine performance enhancer. Better vision means better decision-making, safer wading, and more fish spotted throughout the day. Investing in a quality pair is easily one of the best tackle upgrades you can make.

Community Corner 

Stories this week! 

POACHING 

By John Kent

Temporary classrooms, or 'prefabs', at Christchurch Boys’ High School were erected close to the upper reaches of the Avon River, which flowed through the school grounds.

It started at lunchtime, when a group of us threw a few crusts to trout that we could easily see in the clear, spring-fed creek. After a while, the trout appeared to be waiting to be fed, and by the end of the year, they were in excellent condition. After the School Certificate exams, which we all sat in the fifth form, we were supposed to go to the hall for music. It was a boring anti-climax and a poor choice for most of us as it was simply designed to fill in time. Five of us who had fattened the trout decided we would 'bunk' the music class and catch these fat trout. 

On a simple length of nylon, a hook was tied on, and bread was used for bait. Having been fed for some months, the trout were easily deceived. We had three on the bank when a deputy prefect caught us.

We were sent to the headmaster. 

This was 'Butch' Caddick, who had majored in English. He asked me for the details of our misdemeanour and then asked whether I had read The Compleat Angler by Izaak Walton. I replied, “No, Sir.” 

“Well, you have no excuse, so I will have to make an example of you. Bend over.” 

He then caned me five times. After he had given all five of us five strokes, his face was red and he was puffed. However, my mother quite correctly gave me no sympathy and said, “You deserved it.” 

It has always been said that the majority of anglers poached trout at some time in their career. Well, at 14 years of age, I certainly got that out of my system very early!

Notice Board

News

Interested in Becoming an Honorary Ranger?

North Canterbury Fish & Game is hosting an Honorary Ranger Information Evening on the 29th of January 2026.

This is a great chance to learn what the role involves and how our volunteer rangers help protect our freshwater fisheries and game bird resources, while also supporting and promoting angling and hunting across the region.

You’ll get an overview of the recruitment and training process, hear about the challenges and satisfaction that come with the role, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

If you’ve ever wondered whether becoming an Honorary Ranger is right for you, come along and find out.

Date: 29 January 2026

Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm

Space is limited. Please RSVP your interest to cryder@fishandgame.org.nz

North Canterbury Fish & Game – Office Holiday Hours

Our office, located at 595 Johns Road, will close at 4:30 pm on Tuesday, 23 December 2025 and will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026 at 9.00 am.

Over this period, the office phone and North Canterbury email inbox will not be monitored.

Contacts over the festive season

For any general enquiries other than licencing contact Matt Garrick, via email at mgarrick@fishandgame.org.nz

Should you have a licensing enquiry, contact Eyede on 0800 542 362 between 8.30 am and 5.00 pm.

Note: the contacts above will not be available on 25–26 December 2025 and 1–2 January 2026.

Fishing Reports will continue over this period however, the video reports stop until the 15th January 2025. Weekly email updates will continue.

To report pollution incidents or damage to waterways, please contact Environment Canterbury’s 24-hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 76 55 88.

Tight Line and Hot Barrels for the festive season from Councillors, staff, and honorary rangers of North Canterbury Fish & Game.

Controlled Fishery on the North and South Branches of the Upper Hurunui River Enters Second Season of Trial

Many anglers would be aware that both the sections of the North and South branches of the Upper Hurunui River are under a Trial Controlled Fishery for a two-season trial. The beginning of last season saw some early challenges with the booking software; however, we expect the system will operate as it did at the conclusion of last season.
For information or to make a booking, please click here​​​​​​.

Environment Canterbury Stopbank Spraying Operations

Notice directly from Environment Canterbury

Environment Canterbury is about to commence our ground-based spraying operations for the 25/26 spray season.

The extent of these operations is our stopbank network, selected berms, fairway sites and access tracks on the Waikirikiri Selwyn, Rakaia, Hakatere Ashburton and Hekeao Hinds rivers (see attached maps below for the North Canterbury Region).

Above: Waikirikiri Selwyn (works shown in red)

Above: Rakaia River (works shown in red)

This work is undertaken annually and involves the ground-based application of approved herbicides using either a knapsack or truck-mounted pressurised spray unit.

The spraying targets noxious weeds such as gorse, broom and willow, as unmanaged growth can compromise the integrity of the stopbank network and river systems.

Spraying operations will be completed in accordance with our permitted activity rules under the Canterbury Land and Water Regional Plan, or where required in accordance with our spray consent CRC222040.

Spray operations will commence in November and will continue through the summer period. It is hard to provide a precise estimate of when the spraying work will commence and for how long, as it is highly dependent on weather conditions and the growth of weeds throughout the year.

Please contact Environment Canterbury with any questions: 0800 324 636

Environment Canterbury Rakaia River Planned Works 

Notice directly from Environment Canterbury

Due to recent high flow events in the Rakaia River, we have had some new erosion of flood protection vegetation occur downstream of SH1 on the South bank of the Rakaia and on the South Bank of Rakaia Island. 

We are planning to undertake some slotted tree protection works at the site below SH1 and open up a high-flow braid upstream to help take pressure off the site. 

The site on Rakaia Island will need 1 additional slotted tree, backfill and recover existing works. We have decided that a full diversion of the river braid at this site would be more disruptive to the site and down river habitats than undertaking some of the work in the water with a small gravel bund at the top of the site to reduce the flow rate through the site. The works will be timed to align with lower flows to reduce the amount of sediment being deposited in the waterway during works. We want to undertake these works as soon as possible to stop further trees from eroding and entering the river fairway.

Please contact Environment Canterbury with any questions: 0800 324 636

Weather Outlook

Christchurch

Rakaia

Waipara

Culverden

Hanmer Springs

Arthurs Pass

Lewis Pass

River Flows

Waiau Uwha at Malings Pass: 29.962

Waiau Uwha at Marble Point: 419.787

Hurunui River at No.2 Hut: 185.921

Hurunui River at SH1 Bridge: 152.262

Ashley River at Lees Valley: 9.386

Ashley River at SH1 Bridge: 0.972

Waimakariri River at Below Otarama: 567.412

Waimakariri River at Old Highway Bridge: 654.128

Selwyn River at Whitecliffs: 1.157

Selwyn River at Coes Ford: 0.789

Halswell River at Ryans Bridge: 0.727

Harts Creek at Timber Yard Road: 1.531

Rakaia River at Fighting Hill: 598.567

To help you plan your fishing adventures, be sure to check the following resources:

• E-Can River Flows: River Flow Data
• Outdoor Access Live Cameras: Live Cameras (subscription required)
• MetService Weather Warnings: Weather Warnings
• Windy: Wind Radar
• Yr Weather Service (most accurate for High Country): Yr Website
• Canterbury Weather Updates: Webcams and Website

Stay safe out there!

Please note: This weather update is current at the time of publishing. We recommend checking the latest forecasts, river flows and road conditions before heading out.

Click the licence below to get your licence today!

Next Video Report: 15th January 2026 (Facebook, YouTube and Instagram)
Next Written Report: Friday 2nd January 2026 (Email and Website)

Tight Lines,

Jackson Meecham, North Canterbury Fish & Game Officer & the whole North Canterbury Team.