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Salmon were first released in South Canterbury on the 24th January 1877 into the Opihi River seven miles above Pleasant Point. The salmon fishery has faced many hurdles and continues to do so! |
December 2nd 1869 was a special date; the first trout were liberated in South Canterbury, twelve in all in the Tengawai River. On the 24th January 1877 it was the salmon's turn; the river chosen was the Opihi, seven miles above Pleasant Point. By the turn of the century, South Canterbury Rivers were fully stocked with excellent fish. Tourists from all parts of New Zealand and overseas flocked to south Canterbury to experience its spectacular fishing. However, it was not to last. There are many reasons for the decline of the fishery, irrigation schemes, some Catchment Board activities, destruction of the head-water wetlands, pollution, stupidity, etc., all display a total disregard for the needs of the ecosystem.
In the 1950's, rod caught salmon could be sold, fish could be taken from spawning beds and commercial interests could net fish at river mouths. Acclimatisation Societies we required to net salmon far sale and the proceeds were to be channeled into salmon enhancement. In 1956 some twenty ton of salmon, 3000 fish were sold. The netting was carried out by the South Island Salmon Committee. Evidence has yet to be produced that the money received for those fish actually went back into salmon research.
By the early 1970's the situation was becoming desperate. The decimation of the Opihi River by water abstraction, land use practices and drought resulted in the virtual death of the fishery. Local authorities wouldn't listen to objections from individuals, so a group of concerned salmon anglers comprising Frank Thorpe, Matthew Hall, Ian Currie and Neville Joynt, formed the South Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Salmon Anglers' Association. Their aim was to openly agitate for a better deal for sport fisherman and the environment.
The Conservation Law Reform Act 1990 established D.O.C. as the manager of natural resources. It is responsible for the preservation of indigenous fishes, protection of fish habitats and the protection of recreational fisheries.
Fish and Game Councils have been established to, "manage, maintain and enhance the sports fish, and game resource.”
The Resource Management Act, amongst other things, aims to bring environmental issues to the fore in the planning process, and to promote sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
A stated Fish and Game Council goal is to restore the wild salmon runs to their former levels on a sustainable basis, and to provide a viable salmon fishery for the recreational benefit of anglers.
Over 115 years have elapsed since salmon first experienced our rivers. The golden years have long gone. Is there sufficient will in the new structures to create an environment which will restore our rivers to their former international fame?
See also tying other central North Island trout lures including: Ginger Mick, Taupo Tiger, Parsons' Glory and Yellow Lady. Return to: New Zealand Feathered Trout Lures.
Rangitata River Salmon Fishing Information on the History of Salmon in the Waitaki River. Return to: Salmon Fishing in New Zealand |
