| Fish type |
Both
brown and rainbow trout in very good numbers and some of which
reach very impressive sizes. In the canal between Tekapo
and Pukaki there are also some salmon that have escaped from
the fish-farms and now provide a target for anglers. |
| Situation |
As part of the hydroelectric
power production, Lakes
Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau
have been joined by a series of large canals. These run for
many kilometers, often in a straight line. |
| Maps |
Access
map
Access
map with topography
LINZ
topographic maps: 1:50,000 (260
series)
|
| Description |
While the
canals could not be described as beautiful water to fish as
they run in straight lines across the countryside, they are
in some of New Zealand's most outstanding scenery. They also
provide some exceptional fishing were extra-ordinarily large
trout and some salmon can be targeted. The canals do not have
the natural features you would expect in a river however and
so the fishing is more akin to still water fishing. As well
the water often carries some galcial silt that makes spotting
fish difficult at best.
At times though there can be spectacular
rises across large sections of the canals which can make for
very exciting fishing as these are often fish over 20lbs.
Most times it is necessary to fish blind using either a streamer
fly or a deeply sunk nymph. Spinning is also a good option
as the canals also hold a good population of small white bait
that make up a good part of the trout's diet. Bait fishing
is also an option. |
| Access |
There is easy access to large
stretches of the canals as the highways follow them from many
kilometers. In fact it is possible to stop almost anywhere
and cast a line with a reasonable hope of success. |
| Methods |
The canals are suitable for
all fishing methods. |
| Recommended tackle |
Rods capable of casting a weight
six or higher line when flyfishing. It is best to use a floating
or a slow sinking line on these canals. Rods capable of casting
a 7 to 10 g lure when spinning. Use leaders of at least 8lbs
and preferably higher as these are large fish. |
| Recommended lures |
Dry
flies: Well-dressed large bushy flies such as a Humpy
or Coch-y-Bondhu
are best. Try also large Deer
Hair Sedge in summer or even a cicada
when they can be heard chirping in the late summer.
Nymphs: Weighted
nymphs in sizes 10 to 14 such as very roughly tied Hare
and Copper, Pheasant
Tail and Halfback
patterns.
Wet flies:
Streamer flies such as a Parsons
Glory, Rabbit,
Hairy Dog
and Jack Spratts
.
Spinners: Black
and gold Toby's, Rapalas
and Cobras fished
deep. |
| Regulations |
| Applicable to |
Waitaki hydro canals |
| Region |
Central
South Island regulations |
| Season |
All year |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner, bait
|
| Bag limit |
Trout: 2
Salmon: 2 |
| Size limit (cm) |
Trout: No limit
Salmon: Minimum 300 mm, maximum 450 mm from 1 Mar-30 Apr. |
