HomeNorth CanterburyNorth Canterbury: Where to fishWaimakariri High Country Lakes

Waimakariri High Country Lakes

See the North Canterbury regulations for the regulations that apply to each lake.

Most waters are open to fishing on the first Saturday of November each year until 30 April. Lake Pearson is open all year and Lake Blackwater  opens on the 10th Dec and closes on 30 April.

Lake Sarah

Travel approximately 2km past Lake Grasmere on SH73 and turn right into a gravel road. The lake is a five minute drive along this road.

Open from 1st Saturday November until 30 April for fly fishing only. 2 fish minimum 30cm

Lake Grasmere

Lake Grasmere has both rainbow and brown trout averaging between 1 and 2 kg. Trout can be spotted along the shoreline in good conditions, but as the shoreline is generally swampy fishing can be challenging but productive. Read more about Lake Grasmere.

Open from 1st Saturday November until 30 April for fly and spin fishing. 2 fish minimum 30cm

Lake Pearson

A number of small tracks lead off SH73 down to parking areas at the edge of the lake.

Open all year. Fly and spin fishing permitted.

Lake Hawdon

Continue down the shingle road beyond Lake Sarah. Just after crossing the railway line for the fourth time, a track can be seen on the right hand side. Vehicle access is no longer permitted and a fifteen minute walk is required to reach the lake.

Open from 1st Saturday November until 30 April for fly and spin fishing. 2 fish minimum 30cm

Lake Marymere

Continue along the road past the Lake Hawdon track for 700m and another track will come into view on the right. Once again, vehicle access is no longer permitted and a fifteen minute walk is required to reach the lake.

Open from 1st Saturday November until 30 April for fly and spin fishing. 1 fish minimum 30cm

Lake Blackwater

This lake lies on Flock Hill Station and is a one-hour walk from the road which leads to Lakes Hawdon and Marymere. Anglers must obtain permission to use the track from the station. (Note this lake has a limited opening season - being open from 10 November until 30 April. Fly and spinner with 2 fish and 30cm minimum

Lake Letetia Cross the Mt White Bridge over the Waimakariri River just past the Cass township, travel downstream on the shingle road for about an hour until reaching Mt White Station Homestead. The lake is at the end of the road just past the station cookshop.

Open from 1st Saturday November until 30 April for fly and spin fishing. 2 fish minimum 30cm

Other fishing waters of the region



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