Rakaia Salmon Fishing Competition

The Rakaia River is one of New Zealand's best salmon fishing rivers, and the Rakaia Salmon Fishing Competition is the biggest fresh water fishing competition in New Zealand.

For 25 years the competition has attracted people from around the world including Australia, Canada and America.

A range of prizes, collectively valued at about $50,000, are up for grabs.

Results	Each years results are published at the Rakaia community website. Timaru Herald Report by Peter Shutt of the 15 March 2008 The annual Rakaia salmon fishing competition was shortened because the river came into flood on March 2, but Ashburton angler John Wellman landed the heaviest salmon over Friday and Saturday to win that section of the competition. His fish weighed 10.94kg and beat the best of the 700 anglers present. A further 130 junior entrants competed, with Ashburton angler Sam Whiting winning with his 7.906kg catch. But the biggest reward for any entrant went to another Ashburton angler, Gary Sullivan. His entry number was drawn (police supervised), and he won a four-wheel motorbike and trailer worth $13,000.
2009 dates	The last weekend in February 2009. (27 Feb to 1 Mar subject to confirmation)
2008 dates	Entries closed: 22 February 2008 at 5.00pm. Registration: Thursday 28 February Competition: Friday 29 February to Sunday 2 March 2008.
Location	The length of the Rakaia River up to the North Canterbury Fish & Game white posts below Lake Coleridge can be fished during the competition. See the Lower Rakaia River map and the upper Rakaia River map.
Entering the competition	The number of senior competitors is limited to 750. Entry forms are available from fishing tackle retailers including: Hamills Hunting & Fishing Smith City and Fisherman's Loft in Christchurch Robyn Jackson on +64 3 302 7257 or email rrjackson@xtra.co.nz
Prizes	In 2008, a range of prizes, collectively valued at about $50,000, were up for grabs, including spot prizes. Everyone who is entered goes in the draw for either: A 4WD motorbike and trailer for senior competitors A bicycle for junior competitors.
Organiser	Rakaia River Fishing Promotions Incorporated Robyn Jackson, secretary Phone: +64 3 302 7257 Fax: +64 3 302 7257 Email: rrjackson@xtra.co.nz
Sponsors	Sponsors include: CD-Rods Rakaia River Holiday Park
Accommodation	Lower Rakaia River Rakaia River Holiday Park offers a choice of motels, tourist flats, cottage, cabins, powered sites and tent sites. Methven Brinkley Resort Abisko Lodge Powderhouse Country Lodge The Blue Pub Mt Somers Stronechrubie High Country Cuisine and Chalets Upper Rakaia River HuntFish Homestead Glenrock Lodge

Rakaia River Holiday Park

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