Jack Hepburn with a magnificent back country brown trout.
Jack Hepburn’s Fighting Spirit

From dodging Messerschmitts over Europe to tracking down backcountry trout, WWII veteran Jack Hepburn spent 50 years mastering the rivers of North Canterbury. Discover the life, fishing secrets, and gear wisdom of a legendary local ranger.

Anglers at the mouth of the Rangitata River 20 years ago when the salmon were running. Photograph courtesy of Sam Herring.
Rangitata River Salmon Fishing

Rangitata River Salmon Fishing Allan Burgess talks about salmon fishing at the Rangitata River mouth.

Typical Lake Lyndon rainbow trout caught on spinning gear from a drifting boat.
Lake Lyndon Trout Fishing

Nestled near Porters Pass, Lake Lyndon is Canterbury’s most accessible high country lake. It offers great fishing for all skill levels for both brown and rainbow trout. Learn the top spin, fly, and winter glo-bug techniques to land your next catch in this spectacular barren tussock landscape.

Crystal clear waters offer excellent sight fishing opportunities. High Country Lake Fishing.
High Country Lake Fishing in Canterbury: Tactics & Top Spots

Unlock the secrets of Canterbury’s high country lakes with expert advice from Peter Langlands. Discover how to locate elusive trout, master shallow weed beds, and choose the perfect fly patterns for a successful angling adventure.

View looking downstream from Waimakariri River Gorge Bridge.
Canterbury Winter Trout Fishing: Top Spots & Expert Strategies

Winter trout fishing in Canterbury offers uncrowded waters and great rewards if you prepare properly. Discover the top cold-weather fishing spots—from Lake Lyndon to the Rakaia Rivermouth – and learn the exact spinning and fly setups needed to land winter rainbow and brown trout.

A trophy double figure brown. Such fish are routinely caught by night fishermen.
Fishing Under The Stars – Night Fishing Lake Ellesmere Tributaries

Fishing under the stars on Lake Ellesmere’s tributaries offers some of the best chances to catch trophy sea-run brown trout in New Zealand. This guide covers the Selwyn, Harts, Irwell, Halswell and LII rivers, with proven night fishing tactics, lure selection tips, and the best times to fish when trout move in to feed under darkness. Perfect for anglers chasing big fish and unforgettable night-time action.

A hook-up after stalking a cruiser over sand flats at the Maori Lakes. Lake Fishing Strategies
Lake Fishing Strategies: How to Catch Trout in NZ Lakes

Master New Zealand lake fishing with expert strategies for catching trout. Learn the best spots, from stream mouths to drop-offs, and which fly patterns to use. Locations: Inflowing streams, cold springs, rocky points, and drop-offs. Techniques: Fishing the “wash” in windy conditions and stalking cruising fish in the shallows. Fly Patterns: Damselfly nymphs, snails (Black and Peacock), and bullies. Specific Lakes: Lake Coleridge, Lake Pearson, and Lake Ellesmere.

Top row: Hope's Dark, Hope's Silvery. 2nd row: Mrs Simpson, Grey Ghost, 3rd row: Red Shadow, Hart's Creek. 4th row: Yellow Rabbit, Brunton No.1. Night Fishing with Lures.
Night Fishing with Lures – Hart’s Creek, L2, Halswell and Selwyn Rivers

Night fishing with lures on Hart’s Creek, the L2, Halswell and Selwyn Rivers offers some of the best chances to catch large sea-run brown trout in Canterbury. This guide covers proven lure patterns, the best times to fish, techniques for working sinking lines after dark, and key conditions to look for at the Lake Ellesmere river mouths.

Brown trout in great condition from the Halswell River, Lake Ellesmere. Night Time Lurking.
Night Time Lurking – Fishing Lake Ellesmere and its Tributaries

Experience the thrill of night-time trout fishing on Lake Ellesmere and its tributaries in Canterbury. Discover the best spots along the Selwyn, Harts, Irwell, and Halswell rivers, learn effective lure techniques, and target sea-run brown trout, eels, and smelt under the cover of darkness. Perfect for adventurous anglers seeking trophy catches and multi-species action.

Allan Burgess and Lyndsey Bishop with salmon limit bags from the lower Waimakariri River, caught "Back-in-the-Day."
Waimakariri River Trout and Salmon, 91 photos, maps, access

An essential guide to Waimakariri River trout and salmon fishing, packed with maps, access info, and local tips. Located just 30 minutes from Christchurch, this premier “after-work” fishery offers incredible sea-run brown trout action from October to December and peak Chinook salmon runs through March. Discover the best lures, ideal river flow rates, and hot spots—including McIntosh’s Rocks and the SH1 bridges.

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