Salmon Fishing in Canterbury

Canterbury is one of Aotearoa’s premier salmon-fishing regions — rivers here offer braided runs, dramatic backdrops and legendary fish. The wild Chinook / King salmon migrate from the sea into the mighty Rakaia and Waimakariri Rivers, while the hydro canals around Twizel have become famous for producing monster salmon and trout.

For Toni and me, this trip is personal. We’ve both spent plenty of time trout fishing on the lakes and heading out to sea but now we’re hanging out to have a real crack at salmon fishing in Canterbury. We’ve slowly gathered the right gear, swapped tips with the guys at Hunting & Fishing in Taupō (a store we highly recommend) and now it’s just a matter of planning the next roadie south. The excitement of chasing salmon in these iconic waters feels like the start of a new chapter in our fishing journey.

🏞️ Rakaia River – The Mighty Salmon Highway

The Rakaia River is often called the jewel of New Zealand salmon fishing. Its vast braided channels stretch from the Southern Alps to the Pacific, providing endless pools and runs where salmon hold as they push upstream.

• When to Go – Salmon begin entering the Rakaia around mid-November, with peak runs in February and March. The lower reaches near the mouth fish well early in the season, while the upper stretches shine later on.
• How to Fish It – Heavy spinning lures, salmon flies or zed spinners are the go-to. Cast across the current, let it sink and swing it through likely water.
• What to Watch – Flow matters. The Rakaia is best when running below about 180 cumecs. Floods reshape the river, so successful anglers keep moving and reading the water.
• Why We’re Keen – For us, standing at the mouth of the Rakaia with rods ready feels like ticking off a bucket-list moment — it’s the river everyone talks about when you mention salmon.

🌊 Waimakariri River – Accessible & Rewarding

The Waimakariri, closer to Christchurch, offers fantastic salmon fishing with good access and plenty of variety. Its gorge country and lower braids both provide opportunities for salmon on the move.

• Season – Best fishing is late February through April, when salmon push into slower pools and rests.
• Tactics – Go deep. Lures and flies that hug the bottom often outfish shallow presentations.
• Access – The gorge area is especially popular with clear tracks to pools and long glides. The lower river also produces fish, especially after a fresh.
• Why We’re Keen – It’s more accessible than the Rakaia, making it perfect for a first crack at Canterbury salmon — a place to learn the rhythms of the run.

💧 Twizel Canals – Big Fish Country

The hydro canals of the Mackenzie Basin have changed the game for South Island fishing. Around Twizel, Tekapo, Ōhau and Pukaki, salmon grow big in clear, cold waters — sometimes in the shadow of the salmon farms.

• Where to Fish – Hotspots include the “Fish Bowl” at the Tekapo Canal, below intakes and spillways and near the salmon cages where feed attracts fish.
• Techniques – Soft baits, egg imitations and streamers are popular, as are lures like zeds and spinners. Deep presentations in fast water can be deadly.
• When – Winter congregates fish below dams but salmon are caught year-round. Early mornings and evenings are best.
• Why We’re Keen – Twizel combines epic scenery with a real chance at a trophy fish. It’s not just about salmon either — monster trout cruise these canals too.

📝 Regulations & Good Practice

Before you head out, a few essentials:

• Licences – You need a Fish & Game licence and for sea-run salmon in Canterbury, the season bag limit endorsement is compulsory.
• Recording Catches – Any salmon kept must be tagged and recorded immediately.
• Seasons & Gear – Rules vary by water, so check the latest Fish & Game regulations before you go.
• Catch & Release – Consider releasing larger salmon to help sustain the fishery for the future.

✨ Final Thoughts

Salmon fishing in Canterbury is more than just catching a fish — it’s about standing in these iconic rivers, feeling the pull of the current and knowing you’re part of a tradition that generations of anglers have shared. Whether it’s the mighty Rakaia, the Waimakariri or the canals of Twizel, each place has its own magic.

For us, it’s not just another fishing trip. It’s a new adventure, one we can’t wait to begin with rods in hand, laughter on the riverbank and maybe — just maybe — that heart-racing moment when a Canterbury salmon takes the line.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
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• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
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• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
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🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.