central south island
Notable
Waters: Rangitata and Opihi Rivers
The Central region extends from the Rakaia River down to Moeraki
and contains renowned chinook salmon, brown and rainbow trout
fisheries.
Magnificent sea run salmon are the star attraction here as in the
North Canterbury region. It is a thrill to stand at the mouth of
a Canterbury river, cast a spoon and hook into a powerful
silver-sided 15 kg. fighting fish - a memory to be nurtured for a
lifetime.
The Rangitata is a venerated river with sparkling rapids, smooth
glides and placid pools where countless novice anglers have been
introduced to the august race of Pacific salmon and Californian
trout. Some 4000 anglers spend around 36000 fishing days on this
magnificent river every year. Both the Rangitata and Waitaki are
favoured with salmon averaging 8-12 kg. and the best fishing is
at the river mouths where a sociable picket fence of
anglers is a common sight. Sea run brown trout are plentiful from
April to June when they return to the regions rivers to
spawn. Sockeye salmon are present in small numbers and also brook
char, perch and tench in small coastal streams.
The inland Mackenzie Basin is well known for its sports fishing.
The Waitaki hydro lakes, Benmore and Aviemore, are very popular
summer camping and fishing venues. From there it is only a short
drive to some of the best fly fishing in the region on the
Tekapo, Twizel, Ahuriri, Hakataramea and Opihi rivers. The Opihi
is internationally renowned as a dry fly stream and the Ahuriri
is an excellent wild and scenic river with a reputation for
producing both brown and rainbow trophy fish. Lakes Heron,
Clearwater and Emma contain good stocks of brown and rainbow
trout while Lake Emily carries a small stock of brook char.
Guided fly-fishing safaris for wild trophy trout and salmon are
available in Ashburton, Timaru, Twizel, Kurow and Temuka. Near
Twizel there is a unique alpine salmon farm, which has
self-guided tours and catch options.
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