Salmon

Where they live

• The east coast of the South Island, from the Waiau River in the north to the Clutha in the south (NIWA).
• The main runs are in the big braided rivers: the Waimakariri, Rakaia, Rangitata and Waitaki (NIWA).
• There are also lake-bound salmon in some South Island lakes.

When

• The fish run up the rivers mostly between December and April, and anglers gather at the river mouths for them.
• Sea-run salmon have their own season, bag limits and in some places reporting rules: read the Fish & Game regulations for the river before you go.

Seasons and rules for each region, from Fish & Game ↗

How

Spinning

Most salmon are caught on heavy spinning gear with metal lures, cast across the current at the river mouth or in the lower river.

Where to stand

River mouths and the first few kilometres upstream, where fish gather before running. Expect company on a good day, and give other anglers room.

Your first trip

1. Go to a river mouth on a rising tide in late summer and watch how the regulars fish before you start.
2. Braided rivers are dangerous to cross: fish from the bank you arrived on.
3. Check the salmon rules for that river: they are separate from the trout rules.

Check, Clean, Dry. Remove any plant matter from your boots, waders, net and line, and leave it at the water you’re at. Soak or scrub everything in 10% dishwashing detergent for at least 10 minutes (or hot water at 50–55 °C for 5 minutes). Let it dry completely, inside and out, then leave it at least another 48 hours before using it in another river or lake. MPI

Places to start

Each region page lists places where a public road meets the water and the bank is public land.

• Canterbury
• Otago