Lake Hawdon

Lake Hawdon, in Canterbury, New Zealand, is the kind of lake where a careful approach pays off. Shore anglers do well casting parallel to the bank along reed lines and overhanging trees, where ambush predators wait. Boat anglers can fan-cast points and submerged humps — anywhere the bottom changes depth quickly. Lure choice at Lake Hawdon usually mirrors the local forage: small baitfish imitations in spring, larger profiles through summer.

Location

-43.1042, 171.8493 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species Reported in Canterbury

These species are commonly caught at fishing spots across Canterbury. Conditions at Lake Hawdon may vary.

Brown troutRainbow troutChinook salmonEastern Australian salmonGummy sharkLandlocked atlantic salmon

Fishing Techniques

• For Brown trout

  When fishing streams, focus on seams and current breaks, where trout hold to ambush prey.

• For Rainbow trout

  Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

• For Chinook salmon

  Vary your retrieve speed and depth until you find what the fish are responding to, as their preferences can change daily.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species reported in Canterbury.

Plan Your Trip

Anglers heading to Lake Hawdon should sort licences and confirm seasonal regulations for Canterbury before the trip. A quick weather check the morning of helps too — wind direction in particular can make or break a session at a spot like Lake Hawdon.

Nearby Spots in Canterbury

See all fishing spots in Canterbury →

Other Fishing Regions in New Zealand