This years Salmon season was drawn to a close early due to the lockdown. I was lucky enough to catch my first Salmon from the Waimak just prior to the nationwide crisis. As most of our followers are based in Canterbury, I will focus on the North Canterbury region. Estimates of total Salmon catch was Rakaia 380, Waimakariri 559, Hurunui 233 and Waiau 89. This compares to Rakaia 729, Waimakariri 492, Hurunui 184 and Waiau 72 in the 2018/19 angling season. The rather worrying trend is the graph below which shows a consistent decrease in the Salmon catch from 2004-2020. There are several possible reasons for this, and its a whole other topic. The Rangitata river had a very low catch rate with about 120 Salmon harvested. 
1683 Salmon in total were harvested and 4100 anglers fished for Salmon. Most angler (70%) fished one river for Salmon and 8% fished three or more rivers. The Ashburton had only one known successful angler who caught two Salmon. 
Catch rates for Salmon are trending downwards which is a concern, however some rivers notably the Waimak have increased catch rates. If you've ever thought of giving Salmon fishing a go, I can tell you first hand its pretty fun when your onto fish and its a good change from other types of fishing. Why not give it a nudge?

​The Fiordland Wapiti ballot is open, and expectedly many will apply. They opened on August 15th and will close on the 7th October. Dates are as follows; 1st period 20th March – 29th March 2021, 2nd period 30th March – 8th April, 3rd period 9th April – 18th April, and 4th Period 19th – 28th April. The fourth period are member only blocks, something introduced this year, and more details to come. For many Kiwi hunters Fiordland is the pinnacle and not for the faint hearted. It is some of the most testing conditions in the world. High rainfall and rugged country make the toughest hunting in the country. I’ve never gone there myself, but its on the radar. I’m semi preoccupied with trying to get a decent Red stag now, and I’m probably not quite there yet in terms of experience. Many hunters come out empty handed however their better from the experience and many will long to come back. The build up to the hunt is half the fun, with fitness levels needing to be up there. If you think you’re up to it, why not enter the ballot?
Find more info at ​http://www.fwf.net.nz/wapiti-blocks/