Lewis Pass Designated Waters Drift Dive 2025

Описание: At the beginning of the month, our North Canterbury team completed three drift dives along stretches of the Lewis Pass Designated Waters Fishery. This annual dive mission is part of our ongoing efforts to monitor the health of the fish population and ensure the long-term sustainability of these prized waters.

Fish & Game Officer Harry Graham-Samson said “Our team covered three distinct dive sections, with two stretches along the Boyle River, totalling about 2.5 kilometres. Here we encountered sixty-three large trout over 45cm, three medium-sized trout between 15cm and 45cm, and one small trout under 15cm. We also dove a shorter, 900-meter stretch of the Lewis River, where we saw ten large-sized trout over 45cm and two medium-sized trout.”

“During the dive, we encountered two anglers along the Lewis River, luckily, they were expecting us as we had left a note and Fish & Game truck at a key access point. The anglers were in great spirits, enjoying a lunch break as our team drifted by.”

Corina Jordan Fish & Game New Zealand CEO said “Despite a drier-than-usual summer causing lower river levels, the team found that aquatic life was thriving, with plenty of bugs for the trout to feed on. It was also encouraging to spot a couple of native fish in the area—a positive sign for the health of the ecosystem.”

“Around the country Fish & Game staff dive about 100 rivers so we have an extremely robust data set which goes back about 30 years. This data is used to measure the population numbers and trends but also set regulations like bag limits to ensure we are sustainably managing our fisheries. Staff also record water and ecosystem health trends which they pass on to regional councils”