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Otago > Fishing Regulations
Angling regulations are updated annually. Each region has specific regulations for individual rivers and lakes within the framework of national angling regulations.
Fish & Game New Zealand’s Otago region extends from Shag Point on the South Island’s East Coast south to The Brothers Point in the Catlins area. The region runs inland to include the whole of both the Clutha and Taieri River catchments as well as a number of smaller coastal river catchments such as the Catlins, Tahakopa, Tokomairiro, Waikouaiti and Shag. Otago Region has a range of fishing opportunities set in diverse landscapes from pristine high country and barren Central Otago to the lush lowland pastures of coastal Otago. All anglers and all methods are catered for. The large southern lakes – Wanaka, Wakatipu and Hawea hold good stocks of salmon, rainbow and brown trout and are popular with boat anglers, but if smaller fly fishing water is your preference, then the productive smaller coastal streams and the Taieri or Pomahaka Rivers are worth a visit. Please respect our angling waters by obeying the angling restrictions applying to them, by not leaving rubbish and by obtaining the landowners permission when crossing private property.
ANGLING GUIDES AND ACCESS BOOKS
Otago region has an excellent guidebook to angling within the region – “The Guide to Trout Fishing in Otago”. This 127 page book covers 140 waters throughout Otago (including the Waitaki Valley and Eastern Southland). It gives good information on access, the best angling methods to use, and the best times of the year to go fishing. The guide retails for $25.00 plus $2 for postage and packing within NZ. Access pamphlets including maps are available for many of the popular waters. Books and pamphlets are available at selected outlets or from the Dunedin Fish & Game office. Please feel free to contact us at the above addresses or visit the Otago pages of the Fish & Game website.
ANGLING CONDITIONS
There are weekly reports on current river and lake conditions in Otago from mid-September through to the end of April. These reports are broadcast on regional radio stations and published in the Otago Daily Times on Fridays. Another source of information on angling conditions is the Otago Regional Council’s 24 hour ‘Flowphone’ (03) 479 6493 or their website www.orc.govt.nz
POLLUTION COMPLAINTS
For complaints about pollution or damage to rivers contact the Otago Regional Council’s 24 hour Pollution Hotline on 0800 800 033 in the first instance.
When fishing in the Otago region, please ensure you are aware of and adhere to local regulations at all times.
2008/2009 regulations for the Otago region
Reference to Description: New ZealandGazette, No. 83, 24 May 1990, page 1861
1. DEFINITIONS
See First Schedule.
2. OPEN SEASON, METHODS AND BAG LIMITS (subject to sections 3, 6, 8 & 9)
|
2.1 |
Rivers / Lakes |
Season |
Permitted Method |
Bag Limit |
|
All lakes, rivers and streams above the Clyde Dam not mentioned in 2.3 |
1 Nov – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
2.2 |
Rivers / Lakes |
Season |
Permitted Method |
Bag Limit |
|
All lakes, rivers and streams below the Clyde Dam and any other catchments flowing to the sea not mentioned in 2.3 |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
2.3 Fishing Regulations for the Otago Rivers and Lakes:
|
Rivers / Lakes |
Season |
Permitted Method |
Bag Limit |
|
Akatore Estuary |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Akatore River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Albert Burn |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Arrow River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Blakelys Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Butchers Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Caples River* Refer to clause 11 of this part of the notice |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Fly fishing only |
1 |
|
Cardrona River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Caples River * Refer to clause 11 of this part of the notice |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Fly fishing only |
1 |
|
Careys Creek |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Careys Creek downstream of rail line Bridge |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Catlins Estuary downstream of State Highway 92 Bridge |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Catlins River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Clutha River upstream from Luggate Bridge (except Deans Bank Section) |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
6 |
|
Clutha River Deans Bank Section (defined by landmark posts 1km below Lake Wanaka and 600m above Albert Town Bridge) |
1 Oct – 31 May |
Fly fishing only |
6 |
|
Clutha River downstream of Luggate Bridge |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Coalpit Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Conroys Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Contour Channel |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Dart River |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Deep Stream |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Diamond Creek |
1 Oct – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Diamond Lake |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
3 |
|
Dingle Burn* Refer to clause 11 of this part of the notice |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Falls Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Fraser Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Fraser River below dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Fraser River Upper |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Glenorchy Lagoons |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Greenstone River* Refer to clause 11 of this part of the notice |
1 Nov –31 May |
Fly fishing only |
1 |
|
Greenstone River* Above the Slyburn confluence. Refer to clause 11.1 of this part of the notice |
1 Feb – 31 Mar
Controlled fishery period |
Fly fishing only |
1 |
|
Hamiltons Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Hawea River |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
6 |
|
Hoffmans Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Hores Control Pond |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Hunter River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Ida Burn Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Kaihiku Stream |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Kaikorai Stream |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Kaikorai Estuary downstream of Abbotts Creek confluence |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Kawarau River |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Knights Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Kuriwao Stream |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Kye Burn |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Lake Dispute |
1 Oct – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
3 |
|
Lake Dunstan |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Lake Hawea |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Lake Hayes |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Lake Johnson |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Lake Kirkpatrick |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
3 |
|
Lake Mahinerangi |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Lake Onslow |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
10 |
|
Lake Roxburgh |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Lake Sylvan |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Lake Waihola including the outlet and waterways interconnected with Lake Waipori |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Lake Waipori |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Lake Wakatipu |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Lake Wanaka |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Lee Stream |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Lindis River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Lochy River downstream from Disputed CreekCreek confluence |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Fly fishing only |
1 |
|
Lochy River upstream of Disputed Creek confluence* Refer to clause 11 of this part of the notice |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Fly fishing only |
0 |
|
Loganburn Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Maclennan River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Makarora River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Makarora River downstream of Wilkin River confluence |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Manorburn Dam Lower |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Manorburn Dam Upper |
1 Nov – 31 May |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Manuherikia and tributaries |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Mathias Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Matukituki River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Matukituki River downstream from Mototapu confluence |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
McAtamney’s Head Pond |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Meggat Burn |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Moke Lake |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
3 |
|
Molyneux Pond |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Motatapu River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Nenthorn Stream |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Nevis River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
Fly fishing only |
1 |
|
Owaka River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Owaka River downstream of State Highway 92 |
1 Oct – 30 Sept |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Pleasant River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Pomahaka River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Pomahaka River downstream of Swans Bridge (Clydevale Road) |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Pomahaka River upstream from Park Hill Bridge (Switzers Road) |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Poolburn Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Puerua Estuary downstream of State Highway 92 Bridge |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Puerua Stream |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Rees River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Fly fishing only |
1 |
|
Rees River downstream from Muddy Creek |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Reid Lake |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
3 |
|
Route Burn River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Fly fishing only |
0 |
|
Rutherfords Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Shag River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Shag River downstream of State Highway 1 Bridge |
All year |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Shotover River |
All year |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Silverstream |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Southern Reservoir |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Styx Weir pond |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Sullivans Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Sutton Stream |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Tahakopa River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Tahakopa River downstream Maclennan River confluence |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Taieri River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Taieri River downstream of Silverstream confluence |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Teviot River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Three O’Clock Stream |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Timaru River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Timaru River downstream from Timaru Road Bridge |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Tokomairiro River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Tokomairiro River downstream from Coal Gully Road Bridge |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Tomahawk Lagoon |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
1 |
|
Tuapeka River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Victoria Dam |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Von Lake |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Fly fishing only |
1 |
|
Von River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Fly fishing only |
1 |
|
Waipahi River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Waipori River upstream of Lake Waipori |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Waipori River downstream of Lake Waipori |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Waitahuna River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Waitati River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Waitati River downstream of Orokonui Stream confluence |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Waiwera River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Waikouaiti River |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Waikouaiti River downstream of State Highway 1 Road Bridge |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
6 |
|
Waters of Leith |
1 Oct – 30 Apr |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Waters of Leith downstream from Leith Street Foot Bridge |
1 Oct – 30 Sep |
All legal methods |
3 |
|
Wilkin River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
|
Young River |
1 Nov – 31 May |
Artificial fly or spinner only |
1 |
3. CLOSED SEASON
Fishing for sports fish is not permitted at any time in the following waters:
Bullock Creek, from Lake Wanaka to source
Horne Creek, from Lake Wakatipu to source
Lake Wakatipu, within the waters of Queenstown Bay bounded by a straight line drawn from the outermost point of Queenstown Gardens to the point where the south bank of One Mile Creek meets Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wanaka, within 150m of any part of the launch wharf at the township of Wanaka, within 150m of any part of the public jetty at the Wanaka Marina, and anywhere within 150m of the shoreline between the wharf and the jetty
Lake Wakatipu, within 100m of any part of the wharf in Black Bay (commonly known as the Walter Peak Jetty)
Mill Creek (which flows into Lake Hayes), from the Speargrass Flat Road Bridge to the source
All waters in which sports fish are held in captivity for display, hatching or other purposes, or within a distance of 100m from any part of the outer boundaries of such waters
4. AUTHORISED TACKLE
Refer to 2.3.
5. FLY FISHING ONLY WATERS
Refer to 2.3.
6. BAIT FISHING WATERS
6.1 Refer to 2.3.
6.2 No person shall fish with float or floating device on the line in that section of the Clutha River from below the Roxburgh Dam to the Roxburgh Township Bridge.
7. COARSE FISHING WATERS
There are no designated coarse fishing waters in Otago.
8. USE OF BOATS
8.1 No anglers shall fish from, or tow any lure from, any boat which is being mechanically propelled on Lake Dispute, Lake Hayes, Lake Johnson, Moke Lake or Reid Lake.
8.2 No anglers shall fish from a boat on Lake Kirkpatrick.
8.3 Subject to subclause (4) of this clause, anglers fishing from boats, which are being mechanically propelled, must stay at least 100m from any anglers fishing from the shore.
8.4 No anglers in fishing for sports fish shall troll from any boat, which is being mechanically propelled on any river or stream except the Taieri River downstream from Henley Ferry Bridge, the Waipori River downstream from the Contour Channel and the Clutha River downstream from Balclutha.
8.5 No anglers shall fish for trout from any boat, canoe, pontoon or any flotation device on any river or stream except:
Clutha River from Albertown Bridge to the sea
Matukituki River from Glenfinnan Stream confluence to Lake Wanaka
Kawarau River from its source at Lake Wakatipu to Lake Dunstan
The Taieri River from Outram to the sea
Waipori River from Contour Channel confluence to the Taieri River confluence
All tidal reaches of rivers
9. DAILY LIMIT BAG
9.1 Except in the case of perch for which there is no daily limit, no person shall on any one day take and kill or be in possession of more than the prescribed daily limit from the waters specified in 2.3.
9.2 No more than 2 salmon:
All waters below the Roxburgh Dam and all waters running into the sea.
9.3 No more than 6 sports fish per day:
Subject to the restrictions set out in 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 9.1 and 9.2 above, no person shall on any 1 day take or kill or be in possession of more than 6 sports fish per day from any waters except Lake Onslow (refer to 2.3).
10. FISH LENGTH
No person shall take or be in possession of any salmon less than 450mm taken from the Clutha River or its tributaries below Roxburgh Dam and all other waters running into the sea. In all other waters there shall be no minimum length.
11. OTAGO BACKCOUNTRY FISHERIES
The following waters are designated as Backcountry Fisheries meaning all anglers fishing these waters will need a Backcountry Licence as defined in the Sports Fish Licences, Fees and Forms Notice 2008 and the provisions of that notice apply to this notice:
- The Greenstone River, comprising the Greenstone River upstream of the swingbridge at the river mouth where it enters Lake Wakatipu and all tributary streams flowing into the Greenstone River and Caples River.
- The Lochy River catchment above the confluence with Disputed Creek
- The Dingle Burn above the bridge on the Dingle Burn Station access road.
11.1 Controlled Fishery Period
A controlled fishery is in place between 1 Feb and 31 March 2009 in the Greenstone River above the Slyburn confluence as defined in the Sports Fish Licences, Fees and Forms Notice 2008 and the provisions of that notice apply to this notice.
To see the latest regulations for all of the North Island (excluding Taupo where fishing is administered by DOC) and South Island, please download the PDFs below.
North Island / South Island
In addition to the standard annual review process, every three years angling regulations go through a general review . This year Otago Regions' regulations are due for the 3-year review. Submissions have been accepted from angling clubs and members of the public and collated by Fish & Game staff for council to debate. To view a preliminary report outlining suggested changes to the currentangling regulations in OtagoClick Here (PDF 944kb)
Click HERE for more information on Backcountry licences and the Controlled Fishery.
Otago Greenstone Booking system is online
Click HERE for more details.
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