Where to Fish for Trout & Salmon in the Central South Island

Note that the area covered by the Fish & Game Central South Island region is commonly known as South Canterbury.

Trophy trout fishing

The Ahuriri River a fishery of national importance with trophy trout providing sport for the experienced angler in the pristine upper reaches.

The largest trout caught in the country are the 30lb (13.6kg) plus whoppers caught in the Tekapo canal, where they grow huge from eating salmon pellets and faeces from a nearby salmon farm.

Top salmon and trout fishing

The Rangitata River  is a big river offering some of the best salmon fishing in New Zealand. It also supports good stocks of brown or rainbow trout which are less seldom targeted by anglers

The Waitaki River  and catchment is widely recognised for its magnificent salmon and trout fisheries. The river and its extensive hydro lakes such as Lake Aviemore and Lake Benmore and canals provide quality sportsfish which attract local and visiting anglers alike. The Waitaki's major tributaries the Hakataramea River and Maerewhenua River are also popular.

High country fishing

The Ashburton Lakes are a cluster of high country lakes and tarns that offer a wide variety of fishing in spectacular scenery for quinnat salmon, brown and rainbow trout and even American Brook trout.  Here you'll fish in very clear water against a backdrop of snow covered mountains. A variable catch rate is amply made up for by the clean crisp air and the beautiful, pristine surroundings.