Where to Fish for Trout in the Nelson / Marlborough Region

Many regard the fishing in the Nelson region as being amongst the best in the country. Large pristine rivers holding large populations of trout, many of which reach trophy sizes, and the low number of anglers make the Nelson / Marlborough region an area that provides endless opportunities for the angler. While the majority of the fishing is for wily brown trout, some areas such as the Pelorus and the Cobb hold good populations of rainbow trout as well. Many of the estuaries also provide good fishing for the sea run brown trout during late spring and early summer months.

Fishing waters open all year

A number of rivers and most lakes are open all year. These include the:

• Cobb Resevoir
• Motueka River downstream from from the Peninsula Road Bridge at Ngatimoti
• Pelorus River downstream from the confluence with the Rai River (but not including the tributaries)
• Wairau River downstream from the Wash Bridge

Most popular rivers in Nelson/Marlborough

The most popular trout fishing rivers in the Nelson/Marlborough region are the:

• Motueka River which is a large river with a very high population of brown trout.
• Pelorus River
• Wairau River
• Buller River

Low angling pressure in Golden Bay

Enjoy fishing like it used to be, sharing with few other anglers, on the rivers in the Golden Bay area. These rivers offer some excellent fishing in scenic surroundings:

Anatoki

Aorere

Takaka

Cobb River ( and the (Cobb Reservoir)

Waikoropupu River

Waingaro

Lake fishing

The Nelson Lakes are Lakes Rotoiti and Lake Rotoroa.