Last updated October 2026
The Selwyn River / Waikirikiri winds across the Canterbury Plains south-west of Christchurch toward Te Waihora / Lake Ellesmere. Fish & Game calls Coes Ford the most popular access point for its meandering lower section, which holds good numbers of brown trout.
The river has been badly hit by water extraction and run-off, so it fishes best early or late in the season and after rain. Below the State Highway 77 bridge at Glentunnel it is open all year to fly, spin and bait, and you need a Fish & Game licence.
The Selwyn River / Waikirikiri at a Glance
- Location
- Coes Ford reserve, Lake Road / Pannetts Road, Selwyn District
- Type
- Small, tightly meandering lowland river lined with willows and trees
- Main species
- Brown trout
- Best time
- Early and late in the season, and after rain; summer is busy with swimmers
- Methods
- Small dry flies and nymphs; bait (worms, shrimp, cockabullies); silver lures lower down
- Season
- All year below the SH77 bridge at Glentunnel, fly, spin and bait
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence
- Facilities
- Wheelchair-accessible toilets, non-potable water, free camping in season
- Hazards
- Toxic algae when flows are low; flooding after heavy rain in the foothills
- Rules
- Fish & Game North Canterbury
No tides at Coes Ford. Flow is everything on the Selwyn: it fishes best after rain lifts the flow, runs low and warm in summer, and can flood after heavy rain in the foothills.
Getting to Know The Selwyn River / Waikirikiri
On the plains the Selwyn is a small, tightly meandering stream lined with willows and other trees, winding through flat paddocks. Roads run along both sides of the middle reaches, and the road crossings, such as Coes Ford and Chamberlains Ford, have small grassed reserves beside the river.
It was once one of Canterbury’s great trout rivers. Water extraction and farm run-off have cut its flows, and in summer the water can run low and warm, while the middle sections often dry out. The lower river still holds good numbers of brown trout, and some very large sea-run trout come in at the mouth early in the season.
Coes Ford is a Selwyn District Council reserve used for picnics, camping and swimming. In summer it is very popular with swimmers, which makes it less good for fishing at that time of year.
How to Fish the Selwyn River at Coes Ford
Where and when
Coes Ford is the main way in to the meandering section of the lower river. Work up or down from the reserve, fishing the bends as you go. The river is at its best early in the season, late in the season and after rain has lifted the flow.
As the water drops in summer the trout get spookier, so use light tackle and approach quietly. On hot summer days, fish early or late to avoid the swimmers.
Methods
- Fly: the upper and middle reaches are best fished with a small dry fly or nymph.
- Bait: Fish & Game says bait is productive in sluggish streams like the lower Selwyn. Worms, freshwater shrimp or live cockabullies fished on the bottom with a small weight.
- Lures: lower down, spinning or wet lining with a silver lure or wet fly works better.
Lower river and the lake
Below Coes Ford the river slows and turns brackish before it reaches Te Waihora near the Selwyn Huts. For the lake and the river mouths around it, see our Lake Ellesmere fishing guide.
Getting There and Facilities
- Coes Ford: on Lake Road / Pannetts Road in Selwyn District, south-west of Christchurch. The reserve is open all year for recreation.
- Camping: free, with koha welcome, first in first served. Camping was closed from 29 April to 21 October 2026, so it is open again from 22 October. Area 2 suits large vehicles.
- Facilities: wheelchair-accessible toilets and non-potable water. Bring your own drinking water.
- Dogs: registered dogs are welcome off-lead in the reserve but must be under control. Keep them out of the water if algae is present.
- Chamberlains Ford: another council reserve on the river, on Leeston Road, open all year, with toilets and an electric barbecue. Not suited to large vehicles.
- Private land: most of the bank away from the reserves and road crossings is farmland. Ask permission before crossing it.
Rules and Safety
- Licence: you need a Fish & Game sports fishing licence.
- Season: downstream of the State Highway 77 bridge at Glentunnel, including Coes Ford, open all year with fly, spin and bait. Upstream of that bridge, 1 October to 30 April, fly and spin only. Check the 2026/27 South Island regulations for limits.
- Toxic algae: the Selwyn has had health warnings for potentially toxic algae at Coes Ford. Dark brown or black mats on the rocks, often with a musty smell, are the sign. Keep people and especially dogs out of the water if you see them or a warning is in place, and do not drink river water: boiling does not remove the toxin. Check Environment Canterbury’s health warnings and LAWA before you go.
- Water quality: the council notes that Selwyn River water quality varies.
- Flooding: the river can rise fast after heavy rain in the foothills. Do not camp or fish close to the water when it is rising.
- Swimmers: on summer days the ford is busy with swimmers. Cast well away from them.
Official Sources
Fish & Game: fishing close to Christchurch: Coes Ford access, the lower Selwyn and bait fishing advice.
Fish & Game South Island regulations 2026/27: seasons, methods and limits for the Selwyn and other North Canterbury waters.
Selwyn District Council campgrounds: Coes Ford camping dates, facilities and dog rules.
Common Questions
Where is Coes Ford?
On Lake Road / Pannetts Road in Selwyn District, south-west of Christchurch. It is a council reserve on the Selwyn River.
What can you catch in the Selwyn River?
Brown trout. The lower river holds good numbers, and big sea-run trout come into the mouth early in the season.
When is the Selwyn River open for fishing?
Below the SH77 bridge at Glentunnel, including Coes Ford, it is open all year. Above that bridge the season is 1 October to 30 April.
Can I use bait at Coes Ford?
Yes. Fly, spin and bait are all allowed below the SH77 bridge, and Fish & Game says bait works well in the slow lower Selwyn.
Is there toxic algae in the Selwyn River?
Health warnings for potentially toxic algae have been issued at Coes Ford when flows are low. Check Environment Canterbury’s warnings before you go, and keep dogs out of the water.
Can I camp at Coes Ford?
Yes, free on a first in, first served basis outside the winter closure, which ran from 29 April to 21 October 2026.
Do I need a licence to fish the Selwyn River?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game sports fishing licence.
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