Welcome To The New Fishing Season!

The new season is here! After months of waiting, today kicks off months of angling adventures ahead.

While we've often been plagued with tempestuous weather on previous Opening Days, the fishing gods are smiling on us for the start of the 2026-27 season.

The forecast across the country is for generally fine conditions with nothing more than the odd shower, so there'll be ample opportunity for most anglers to get out on the water. 

With rivers falling off a recent fresh last weekend, warm spring temperatures in the mid to high teens, trout that haven't seen a lure or fly for months, there's every reason to be excited!  

Buy your whole season licence now 

New Season Checklist

Here's a checklist to help your first outing for 2026-27 be a success:

• Grab your Whole Season Licence for 2026-27.
• Check your regulations guide for any changes this season.
• Sort your Designated Waters and Controlled Fisheries licences if planning a backcountry adventure.
• Clean fly line and check for cracks (replace if required).
• Check spinning monofilament or braid for wear/strength.
• Replace lost flies and lures from last season.
• Sharpen hooks.
• Test waders for leaks.
• Practice your casting - get out on the lawn and throw some loops.
• Plan your new season outing - check out our interactive access maps below.

School Up Before Heading Out

We want to help you have a successful 2026-27 season, so we have created a new Fishing Knowledge Hub - a one-stop online home for everything freshwater fishing.

Whether you are picking up a rod for the first time or you have fished our rivers and lakes for years, there is something for you. It brings together practical, easy-to-follow guides covering:

• Where to fish.
• Choosing your gear and reading the water.
• Techniques from spin and fly fishing, through to boat fishing.
• Preparing your catch for the table.

A growing library of how-to videos sits alongside the guides, with more being added over time.

New to freshwater fishing or after handy tips and info? We've got you covered. Everything you need for freshwater fishing in New Zealand, all in one place.

Fishing Knowledge Hub

Plan Your New Season Angling Adventure

There's no better resource to help you plan your Opening Day fishing mission than our new online access maps.

The resource is fully interactive, allowing you to 'fly' around your chosen region to find fishing access points, zoom in for more detail and, in some cases, even download or print off access brochures for storing on your mobile device.

If you can't get out on Opening today, hit the button below and start planning your outing for the weekend now!     

Fishing Access App

School Holiday Boredom Buster

Get the kids off their devices and out into nature, learning new skills and enjoying being outdoors these school holidays.

There are heaps of kid-friendly fishing spots in most Fish & Game regions throughout the country, with many of these either walkable or bikeable in main urban centers. Our Park 'n Cast webpages offer some easily accessible spots - click the button below.  

The great thing is kids under 12 can fish for free (but still need a licence). Those aged 12 to 17 can grab a Whole Season Licence for just $31 or $6 per day for shorter stints.   

All The Latest Angling News, Tips And Info

The latest issue of Fish & Game NZ magazine is out now. 

If you purchased a licence last year, you should have received a copy in the mail.

Those who didn't fish last year can still catch up on all the action and get primed for the awesome season ahead by reading the magazine online - just click on the cover above.    

Don't Miss The Action This Season!

The new season is underway! And it's shaping up to be an awesome one...

Make sure you're part of it - grab your licence the easy way online (it only takes a minute or two), enjoy some time in nature with friends and family, and invest in your well being.  

Grab your Licence Now

We look forward to seeing you out on the water for the 2026-27 season!