Some areas in Christchurch and Canterbury have fishing restrictions. It may be a specified restriction such as Pohatu Marine Reserve or the Akaroa Marine Reserve, or a restriction for certain species or times of the year you may fish.

Read the Department of Conservation(external link) and Fish and Game rules(external link) around protected areas. Contact the Ministry for Primary Industries(external link) or North Canterbury Fish and Game(external link) for further information.

The following areas are available for fishing but certain restrictions may apply.

Fishing in the Avon and Heathcote Rivers is allowed although a no fishing zone in the Avon River exists:

  • between the Armagh Street Bridge and Barbadoes Street Bridge
  • within the Botanic Gardens

Anglers fishing for sports fish must have a current sports fishing licence.

Fish all year round off the wharves in areas that are not marked as a no fishing zone or are not closed for maintenance.

Please observe all other fishing regulations as required by the Ministry of Fisheries.

Fishing is allowed all year round.

There are a variety of species to catch within season including salmon, trout, kahawai and whitebait. If you are fishing for trout or salmon, you must have a sports fishing licence. 

Access to the south side of the river mouth is by permit. The key to the gate is available from Spencer Beach Holiday Park office, contact phone 03 329 8721.

Any other questions contact Rangers on phone number 03 941 7560.

The fishing lakes are open all year round to anglers aged 17 years and under.

Adults can only fish the South Branch/Otukaikino Creek at the Groynes during trout season (1 October to 30 April).

Fishing licences are required and can be obtained from sports shops. These are free of charge for children 12 years and under.

There is a ban on fishing off the Pier on Sundays between 10am and 5pm.

When fishing outside these hours, you must obey the following rules:

  • no fishing in the marked no fishing zone
  • only one rod and one hand line per fisher is permitted
  • no over-head casting is allowed
  • no commercial crab pots are allowed, and only one line with light weight gear per fisher is permitted

There are a variety of species to catch including crab, red cod, kahawai, dog fish and mullet. Catch limits apply. 

Read the fishing rules(external link) on the Ministry for Primary Industries website for further information.