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Introduction to freshwater fishing in New Zealand
Welcome to the Fish & Game Fishing Knowledge Hub.
This section of our website is designed to teach you everything you need to know to get started in freshwater sports fishing in New Zealand. This hub provides useful information and videos on the different sports fish species, equipment requirements, fishing techniques, regulations and ethics, where to go fishing, as well as tips on preparing your catch for the table.
Guides
Overview of freshwater fishing in New Zealand
Freshwater sports fishing is a favourite pastime for many New Zealanders, combining time outdoors, exploring new places, and the enjoyment that comes from catching and harvesting your own fish.
New Zealand offers a wide range of freshwater sports fish species, with trout (brown and rainbow), salmon, perch, and tench among the most commonly targeted. Each species has its own behaviour, habitat preferences, and presents different challenges and fishing opportunities.
Fishing opportunities vary greatly due to New Zealand's diverse freshwater environments and geography. You might be casting a dry fly to a rising trout in a backcountry river, drifting a soft bait through a deep pool, fishing a worm in a lowland river, or casting a lightly weighted spinner on a spring creek. In other situations, anglers may be trolling on large hydro lakes, jigging in deep volcanic lakes, or casting lures for salmon at a river mouth.
As you work through this guide, you'll build the knowledge and confidence needed to get started or improve your skills. Whether you are new to fishing or looking to refine your approach, we hope this resource helps you make the most of New Zealand’s diverse freshwater fisheries and the opportunities they provide.
Sports fishing Licence Requirements
In New Zealand, anyone who wishes to fish for sports fish in freshwater environments is required to hold a valid sports fishing licence. This applies to species such as trout and salmon in rivers, lakes, streams, and at river mouths, as well as perch and other coarse fish.
Revenue generated from the sale of fishing licences is used to fund the management, enhancement, and protection of New Zealand’s freshwater sports fisheries. This includes habitat advocacy, fish population monitoring, research and stocking, compliance/ranging activities, and maintaining angler access to fisheries.
A range of fishing licence options are available to suit different needs. These include short-term licences (such as one-day or multi-day options) through to full season licences. Depending on the type purchased, licences can be region-specific or apply to the whole-of-New Zealand (except the Taupo region). For more information about the types of licences available, or to purchase a fishing licence, click here.
Anglers are responsible for ensuring they hold the correct licence before fishing and should carry it with them while fishing and produce it if requested by a Fish & Game officer or ranger.