North Canterbury Weekly Fishing Report - 24th October 2024

Around the region

With labour weekend on the horizon, it might be your first opportunity to get some good fishing in for the 24/25 season. Unfortunately looking at the forecast for the long weekend there looks to be a front coming through the region which will be bringing a lot of rain, this will likely discolour the rivers however if you’re willing to battle the weather, then there are still a couple of high-country lakes which are still open for fishing or if you want to make the most of the long weekend then exploring other waters in other regions is also a great option.

When to fish NC rivers?

When fishing our big, braided rivers a common question that gets asked is when are these rivers fishable? There are many ways to find out whether the rivers are fishable from contacting your local tackle shop or getting a subscription to the outdoor access cameras which provide a live video of the various rivers and lakes. Another option is to look at the Ecan river flow data however this data is only useful if you know what is and isn’t suitable for fishing. A general guideline for when these rivers are fishable is.

Waiau river is below 60 cumecs.

Hurunui river is below 35 cumecs.

Waimakariri river is below 80 cumecs.

Rakaia river is below 180 cumecs.

When the flows are above these guidelines it is not only difficult fishing, but it can also be dangerous. Also, when the flows get a lot lower than these guidelines the fishing also gets challenging so it's important to change up your tactics, when its clear, fish with thinner line and smaller lures!

 

Louis Dalley explores the lowland systems

Louis Dalley from Canterbury had a recent trip I had after school to a local lowland river where he had a bit of success. The afternoon started off when he walked up from one of the bridges and crossed a local river which flows into Lake Ellesmere. He soon came across a pool with a few fish in it. He tied on a size 16 nymph and casted it out to one of the biggest, hooking it first cast. It fought for a good while and once he had in his net, he could see how fat it was, it was a fresh sea run.

He continued fishing up the river encountering plenty of good-sized fish and ended up catching more fish on nymphs. Louis also caught his first on a dry for the season. With a total of 5 fish, up to 7 pounds in a short space of time, Louis was very happy so called it an afternoon and walked back home.

Weekly Fishing Tip

This week we take you down to the Fisherman’s Loft where Kieran Lee give advice for heading up to the designated waters in North Canterbury before Christmas arrives. Specifically, a run-down on what types of flies, nymphs and terrestrials you might want to carry in you fly box during early season high flows.

Weather Update

Unfortunately, there are weather warnings issued across the North Canterbury region over the long weekend period. This shouldn’t completely rain away for plans to get out fishing. As discussed earlier in the report the high-country lakes that are still open will still be fishing well despite the unpleasant conditions outside the water. We do urge anyone going out to consider the conditions upon arrival at a location, safety should be your priority.

 

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!

 

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 you girls and boys out fishing for the first time, 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.

 

Tight Lines for Week Ahead!

Jackson, Harry & the rest of the North Canterbury Team