Wellington > Fishing

If you catch a tagged fish, please contact the regional Fish & Game office

River Levels
Click here to see the latest river levels throughout the region

The range of sports fishing opportunity in the Fish & Game New Zealand Wellington Region is remarkable. We offer anglers an impressive array of fishing water and fishing experiences including:

• wilderness fisheries set amongst magnificent native bush and rugged mountain scenery.
• a variety of wild sportsfish including rainbow and brown trout, perch, and tench.
• simple fishing regulations.
• very good numbers of fish per kilometer especially in the main rivers.
• real peace and solitude - you will seldom see other anglers.
• ease of access to most fishing water.

The region encompasses the southern part of New Zealand from Waiouru, across to Dannevirke and down to Wellington. Included in our region are four major fishing rivers; the Rangitikei, Manawatu, Ruamahunga and Hutt. Variety is definitely the spice of life. There is very scenic wilderness/back-country fishing in rivers within the Kaimanawa, Ruahine and Tararua Forest Parks that divide our region from north to south. Outside of these parks rivers and streams flow through peaceful hill country farmland and lowland river plains to the sea. All fishing methods are practiced in over 90% of waters – 10% of waters are fly or spin fishing only. All the rivers and streams contain brown trout, a few are brown and rainbow trout and two of the main rivers contain perch. Most waters are open all year and have no bag limit. A few waters have a very low bag limit and some are managed as trophy fisheries and so have a maximum size limit – please check your regulation guide.

Online pamphlets and more access information are available here