Otago-Southland-West Coast
Fishing in Southern New Zealand - Otago, Southland, West Coast, and Fiordland
The southern part of the South Island is a popular destination for fresh water fishing with a number of lakes and rivers to choose from.
The large Waitaki river has abundant salmon runs, and the smaller rivers and high country lakes are habitat to significant brown and rainbow trout fisheries. Hydro lakes and canals are home to massive trout which feed in close proximity to the prolific salmon farms.
Saltwater fishing for blue cod and hapuku is also a great option. Pacific bluefin tuna are a target species in the winter months off the West Coast. Fish up to 300kg have been caught by recreational boats.
South Island West Coast Fishing
March 2022For Nelson contributor Dan Govier there is as much enjoyment in planning a mission as actually being out on the water. Deciding where to go, what... Read More >
Trout Fishing in The Mackenzie Country Canals
February 2022On a recent trip to the Mackenzie Country canals, Mark Kitteridge learnt a few important lessons the hard way. Thankfully, after receiving a rapid rundown of... Read More >
Troutfishing Options From Twizel
January 2022The trophy trout are just one of many things Mainland contributor Peter Langlands loves about Twizel. He shares a few tips for any anglers lucky enough... Read More >
Winter Fishing in the Alps
August 2021The Southern Alps are a defining part of our island nation. Spanning the entire length of the South Island, the alps, valleys and basins have a... Read More >
Exploring Tuapeka West
May 2021Greg Morton took a trip to Tuapeka West to fish a new section of the Clutha River and was not disappointed. He shares the story of... Read More >
Fishing the Teviot River
March 2021Greg Morton had heard rumours about the small, colourful Treviot River trout, but had never targeted them himself until recently. With a favourable forecast, he ventured... Read More >
Fabulous Fiordland
February 2021Grant Blair recently went on a trip to Fiordland and it exceeded his already high expectations. There was no shortage of fish, crayfish or fantastic sights,... Read More >
Planning A Troutfishing Roadtrip
March 2020Planning a fishing trip takes some thought but using technology such as Google maps makes it even easier.... Read More >
Diving in Fiordland
February 2020Fiordland is one of those exceptional places that is often raved about but remains relatively untouched due to its vast, hard-to-access country and coastline.... Read More >
Destination review: Pounawea estuary
January 2020The Catlins region of Otago is a beautiful, though wild, place. It has a fascinating history where hardy humans had to adapt their lifestyle to succeed... Read More >
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Latest Articles
Measure-based Fishing Competitions
August 2022Alistair Arkell typically shies away from fishing competitions, but with many organisers now moving towards a more sustainable ‘measure only’ format, he decided to make an... Read More >
Roy McIntyre: Lifelong Fisherman
July 2022“I’ve never done anything else, and I started fishing with my dad when I was three and a half,” Roy told me over the phone. “Just... Read More >
Hapuku with a Summer Salad by Bea Bagnall
July 2022Bea Bagnall creates a refreshing Hapuku with Summer Salad dish... Read More >
Yellowfin Tuna Techniques - Part II
July 2022Here's what you need to know about catching yellowfin tuna using live baits, jigs and using top-water lures as well as chunking techniques.... Read More >