Lewis Pass on a beautiful day at the end of December 2025. (image above)

High country lakes have continued to be one of the most reliable options across the region, producing consistent fishing through a wide range of weather conditions.

While strong winds and unsettled weather have at times limited boat access on larger waters such as Lake Coleridge and Lake Sumner, calmer days have still seen plenty of anglers getting out and making the most of the opportunities. Duty rangers reported busy periods on Lake Coleridge, completing more than 50 licence checks per visit while also undertaking ongoing creel surveys.

Although creel survey data will only be released once sufficient information has been gathered, early observations remain encouraging. Fish condition has been strong, and anglers have been successful using a broad mix of techniques. This variety highlights how anglers are continuing to adapt their approaches based on previous survey findings, refining methods to suit both conditions and fish behaviour on a fishery that continues to perform well. For those wanting more detailed insight, the Lake Coleridge Summer Creel Survey from the 2024/25 season remains available and provides valuable information on effort, effective methods, and overall lake performance.

Caleb shows off athletic skills to put himself in the best position to catch a trout he spotted.

Away from the lakes, ongoing unsettled weather has continued to influence river conditions. Repeated bursts of heavy rain have limited recovery time for many systems, leaving flows elevated and water clarity inconsistent. That said, there are now some positive signs emerging. Some of the larger braided rivers are beginning to show signs of life, with sea-run salmon starting to appear, suggesting conditions are slowly heading in the right direction.

Even with this improvement, many braided rivers have spent much of the recent period in a marginal or unfishable state, which has been frustrating for anglers hoping to capitalise on holiday time. As a result, anglers willing to remain flexible have generally found better success by targeting smaller systems and high country waters during brief weather windows. The Lewis Pass Designated Waters have stood out in this regard, offering fishable conditions when timing and conditions align, and rewarding those prepared to move quickly.

Harry admires this cheeky rainbow that put up a decent fight.

With weather patterns remaining changeable, anglers are encouraged to keep a close eye on forecasts and river flows, remain adaptable, and be prepared to shift plans as conditions dictate. Those willing to adjust their approach are still finding plenty of rewarding fishing opportunities across the region.

Don't Miss An Update Make Sure Your Following Us In All The Right Places!

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.

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
• Thursday 15th January 2026 Video Reports Return (Facebook, Instagram and YouTube)

Tackle Tip Of The Week

The Landing Net: A Must-Have for Safe Fish Handling

Rainbow Trout in landing net. This is also a great spot to take a photo of your fish before releasing it.

A landing net might seem like a simple accessory, but it’s one of the most important tools in any angler’s kit. Using it correctly can make your fishing far more fish-friendly—especially if you practice catch-and-release.

Protect the Fish

Landing nets are designed to reduce stress and injury to the fish. Using one properly:

• Supports the fish’s body rather than letting it thrash on the bank or boat floor
• Reduces the risk of scale damage, fin tears, and jaw injuries
• Makes catch-and-release far more successful

Rubber or knotless mesh nets are especially gentle on fish, helping prevent tangled hooks and damage to delicate skin.

Taking a quick shot like this is safe for a fish that you're looking to release back for the next angler. Be sure you have wet hands before handling the fish. 

Make Landings Easier

Trying to lift a fish out of the water with just your hands can be tricky, particularly for larger fish. A landing net:

• Provides a secure way to bring the fish alongside your boat, waders, or bank
• Keeps both your hands free for hook removal or photographing the catch
• Reduces the chance of losing a fish at the last moment

For bigger fish, a net can be the difference between a successful catch and a frustrating escape.

Tips for Using a Landing Net

1. Choose the Right Size: Bigger nets for larger fish and boats, smaller nets for smaller fish or hiking in somewhere.
2. Keep it Accessible: Clip it to your vest, boat, or belt for quick deployment.
3. Wet the Net: Wetting it first helps protect fish scales and slime coating.
4. Lower the Net Gently: Don’t splash the fish—scooping smoothly keeps them calm.
5. Handle Quickly: Remove the hook and release promptly to reduce stress.

Rubber or Nylon Net Bag?

There are pro’s and con’s in using both materials and here are some key points below about which style of net bag suits your fishing.

 Which One Should You Choose?

Choose a rubber net if:

• You regularly release fish
• You fish clear lakes or rivers where careful handling matters
• You use lures with multiple hooks
• You want a hassle-free, tangle-free experience

Choose a nylon net if:

• You need a lightweight net for long hikes
• You’re targeting larger or saltwater species
• You’re looking for a budget-friendly option
• Hook tangles or fish care aren’t major concerns (e.g., harvesting fish)

Bottom Line

A landing net isn’t just a convenience—it’s a key part of ethical, efficient, and safe fishing. Whether you’re on a high-country river or trolling in s lake, using a net correctly will help both you and the fish have a better day on the water.

Community Corner 

Stories this week! 

MOUNTAIN STONE WETA 

By John Kent

In 1968, after tramping, hunting and fishing in Martins Bay and the Kaipo in South Westland, Barney suggested that on the way home we call into Birchwood Station near Omarama to visit an old school friend. While Barney visited his friend, I spent time with two elderly anglers from Dunedin who were sitting outside a Birchwood Station hut after fishing the Ahuriri River.

Knowing the Ahuriri held trophy trout, I naturally asked whether they had caught any. During our conversation, they mentioned that the Nevis River held the largest fish. One of them had landed a trout weighing 17 lb (7.7 kg) a couple of years prior. 

I had camped and fished the Nevis on three occasions, yet never spotted a trophy trout.

Three years ago, I recounted this story to Dr Rasmus Gabrielsson, the North Canterbury Fish and Game CEO. He told me those large trout were still in the Nevis. When he worked for Otago Fish and Game, he had drift-dived the river and observed several trophy-sized trout, all hiding under the banks in the upper reaches. He examined the stomach contents of one and was surprised to find the remains of wetas. 

These were Mountain Stone Wetas, which inhabit areas above the snowline in the Southern Alps.

During winter, they freeze solid but revive during the snowmelt. Some are evidently washed down into the Nevis by side streams. Like the Alaskan wood frog, an amino acid protects their body cells from being destroyed by ice. 

Some years ago, my two daughters and I climbed Peak Hill overlooking Lake Coleridge during spring and found a group of Mountain Stone Wetas at the summit, just coming back to life.

Caleb's Adventures 

By Caleb Ryder

Caleb with a healthy brown trout.

With perfect conditions last Sunday, Field Officer Caleb and his friend, who is new to Fly-fishing visited a local spring creek. They were overjoyed to find an abundance of brown trout in an easily accessible 600m stretch of water. 

While many of the fish were challenging to deceive, the last fish of the day couldn't resist a size 16 black gnat drifting past. The fish was quickly dispatched after a spirited battle, and to top the day off, Caleb's friend enjoyed some delicious trout for tea that night!

See pics of fat lining the inside of the fish's stomach.

Trouts Stomach.

Notice Board

News

Exploring Regulatory Changes To Increase Sea-Run Salmon Spawning – Your Feedback Is Sought

Update: Survey now available for all anglers and members of the public to complete.

Salmon populations are at critically low levels currently requiring the Central South Island and North Canterbury Fish and Game Councils to explore further regulation options, in addition to the season bag limit, that enable a greater proportion of the run to spawn. Changes to the regulations may impact your fishing activities and your sea-run salmon fishery values, so we are seeking your feedback to support future decision-making. 

What is Fish & Game Seeking Feedback On?

Fish & Game is seeking your feedback on a variety of potential regulatory changes to the sea-run salmon fishery within the current management framework, including:

• Reducing season length
• Limiting fishing areas
• Implementing a catch-and-release fishery (0-season bag limit)
• Implementing a temporary season closure

How and when can I provide feedback?

You can provide feedback via our online survey now. The survey will be emailed to sea-run salmon licence holders and posted on our webpage for all anglers and members of the public.

The survey period closes 31 January 2026 at 11:59 pm NZDT.

For more information, to review our information pack, and to complete the survey, visit our website: CLICK HERE

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

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: 6.447

Waiau Uwha at Marble Point: 75.707

Hurunui River at No.2 Hut: 13.575

Hurunui River at SH1 Bridge: 57.85

Ashley River at Lees Valley: 2.838

Ashley River at SH1 Bridge: 18.864

Waimakariri River at Below Otarama: 95.867

Waimakariri River at Old Highway Bridge: 80.33

Selwyn River at Whitecliffs: 3.067

Selwyn River at Coes Ford: 0.835

Halswell River at Ryans Bridge: 0.741

Harts Creek at Timber Yard Road: 1.741

Rakaia River at Fighting Hill: 156.522

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: 22nd January 2026 (Email and Website)

Tight Lines,

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