Otago-Southland-West Coast

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.

Fishing the Teviot River March 2021 Greg Morton had heard rumours about the small, colourful Treviot River trout, bu... Read More > Tweet

Fabulous Fiordland February 2021 Grant Blair recently went on a trip to Fiordland and it exceeded his already hig... Read More > Tweet

Planning A Troutfishing Roadtrip March 2020 Planning a fishing trip takes some thought but using technology such as Google m... Read More > Tweet

Diving in Fiordland February 2020 Fiordland is one of those exceptional places that is often raved about but remai... Read More > Tweet

Destination review: Pounawea estuary January 2020 The Catlins region of Otago is a beautiful, though wild, place. It has a fascina... Read More > Tweet

Pure salt Charters August 2019 Having been lucky enough to experience the raw beauty and ceaseless bounties of ... Read More > Tweet

Fishing the Poolburn Dam in Central Otago March 2019 Some fishing locations are more than just a place to go fishing. Greg Morton sha... Read More > Tweet

Cromwell and Lake Dunstan February 2019 The Central Otago town of Cromwell was once described as a sleepy hollow –... Read More > Tweet

Mackenzie Country canals January 2019 Writer Mark Kitteridge headed down to Twizel in search of his first-ever salmon ... Read More > Tweet

Fishing in Oamaru September 2018 Peter Langlands checks out Oamaru, a great location that offers plenty of option... Read More > Tweet