North Canterbury Weekly Fishing Report - 12th December 2024

North Canterbury
12/12/2024
Jackson Meecham

Dust Off Those Dry Flies!

With warmer summer days and evenings upon us, it's a great time to try fishing with dry flies. On local streams with grassy banks and abundant streamside vegetation, a brown beetle pattern is a solid choice. Traditional patterns, like the Coch-y-Bonddu in sizes 12–16, as well as modern foam-body versions, can also be effective.

Lake Shephard brown trout caught on damsel nymph

If you're unsure what the fish are rising to, a Black Gnat is always a good pattern to have in your fly box.

A recent inspection of a brown trout caught in a local spring creek revealed several Willow grubs in its stomach. From December to March, it's worth carrying Willow grub patterns in sizes 16–18, both in floating and sunken styles.

5lb brown trout caught on Black Gnat in a spring creek, its stomach was filled with brown beetles

If you spot a trout sipping small insects from the surface film under some Willow trees and your usual patterns aren’t working, a Willow grub pattern might be just what you need. Keep in mind, fishing for these "Willow grubbers" can require a lot of patience—you might spend hours without success, but when you finally land one, it makes the effort all the more rewarding.

Check, Clean, Dry message for 24/25

Kia ora everyone, we are Anna and Louise, Canterbury’s Check Clean Dry advocates for the summer season. Fish and Game members we have met so far have been very passionate about protecting our waterways. So here is a reminder of the most up-to-date Check Clean Dry protocols.

When to follow these steps?

If you are just using one waterbody: great, you don’t need to Check Clean and Dry
If you have several days between using one waterway and another, Check and Dry. Make sure your gear is free of plant debris and has been dry to the touch for at least 48 hours.
If you are moving between waterways: Check and Clean any equipment that has come into contact with the water.

As you may be aware, Gold Clam was found in the Waikato in May 2023. This species is highly invasive, with one clam producing up to 70,000 juveniles per year. The South Island is currently following the gold clam exclusive version, which involves cleaning equipment with 10% dishwashing detergent or 2% bleach, as usual. However, if you have been to the North Island, gold clam-inclusive protocols apply, and these must be carried out before moving to the South Island.

Anna will be visiting popular fishing spots around North Canterbury from the 27^th of December to the 6^th of January. So, if you see her around, come say hi and get some free cleaning resources! Fish and Game’s support for the program over the years has been greatly appreciated. It takes all of us to protect our waterways so we can keep enjoying them for years to come!

Drift Dive Training for staff

On Wednesday, December 11th, four staff members from North Canterbury Fish & Game completed drift dive training in the Ashley Gorge. For three of the participants, this was their first experience with drift diving. Under Harry's guidance, the team was trained thoroughly, and all staff were signed off as competent. During the training, which covered an approximate 800-meter stretch of water, the team observed five small trout (less than 150 mm), one medium-sized trout (150 mm to 450 mm), and four large trout (over 450 mm). The staff found the training highly valuable and are eager to begin drift diving in some of the region's premier trout fisheries early in the new year.

Expert Fishing Tip

This week, we’re stopping by North Canterbury Hunting and Fishing, where Fletch shares his top gear setups for fishing trips with his daughter. A key tip for anyone taking kids fishing this summer is to focus on the experience, not just the catch. It’s about spending quality time together and enjoying the process—hopefully with a fish on the line!

Weather Update

Over the past week, areas of the region have experienced a true Kiwi start to summer, with temperatures reaching as high as 30 degrees. Due to continuous surprise rain in our high country and significant wind events, our larger rivers have not been in a fishable state. This should be changing for Friday and Saturday this week, as it looks like both the Rakaia and Waimakariri are clearing. Unfortunately, this won't last long, with rain warnings for our high country on Saturday, our advice would be to get in early Saturday morning before flows begin to elevate.

This, however, shouldn't stop you from chasing a fix this weekend, as the weather is looking superb for the most part. Giving some lowland systems or spring creeks a try once again will offer opportunities for anglers of all levels. Don't be afraid to change up tactics by trying new lures, flies and soft bait colours in these systems. We also urge anglers to protect themselves from the sun and bring plenty of drinkable water. There is nothing worse than a painful burn from the sun, using appropriate sun protection will also help you maintain energy and stay on the water chasing fish for longer.

Here is an outlook on what can be expected over the region going forward this weekend:

Christchurch

Rakaia

Waipara

Culverden

Hamner Springs

Arthurs Pass

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

Happy fishing! Stay safe out there!

Get involved this season!

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Want to contribute to the weekly fishing reports?

Here at North Canterbury Fish & Game, we are extremely passionate about sharing YOUR angling stories. Whether you caught a massive fish or took your girls and boys out fishing for the first time, you want to hear and tell your stories.

When you’re out this season, don’t forget to take some photos or videos and send them to jmeecham@fishandgame.org.nz with a little back story on your angling adventures.