Reel Life September 2026

The 2026/27 Fishing Season Is Here

Twelve regions. Hundreds of waterways. One new season.

After months of waiting, the countdown is nearly over. On 1 October, anglers across the country can once again head out onto their favourite rivers, streams and lakes. The reports coming in from around the regions are giving plenty of reasons to look forward to the season ahead.

Across the country, relatively settled conditions over winter have provided encouraging signs for many fisheries. Trout have had time to spawn and recover, rivers have generally avoided prolonged periods of extreme flooding, and several regions are reporting fish in excellent condition.

But as every angler knows, no two seasons, or fishing days, are the same. Spring weather, changing river flows and the potential for an El Niño summer mean being prepared to adapt will be part of the adventure.

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A promising start

Auckland/Waikato staff monitoring the Kaniwhaniwha Stream in September 2026.

In Hawke’s Bay, staff have been impressed by the size and condition of trout seen during winter spawning surveys, including rainbows around 3kg and brown trout exceeding 4kg. 

Wellington is also heading into the season after a strong 2025/26, with good summer river flows and trout reported in excellent condition. Regular snowfall in the Tararua and Ruahine ranges is providing valuable water storage heading into the warmer months.

In the Eastern region, lake trout were also in excellent condition at the end of last season, with fish size and condition among the best recorded. Further south, Central South Island rivers have benefited from good winter flows without exceptional flooding, setting up promising conditions for the early season. Taranaki has had a similarly settled year, with rivers experiencing only minor to moderate freshes.

On the West Coast, recent rainfall has freshened many rivers and streams. As these waters begin to drop and clear, the increased food availability and reduced trout wariness can create some excellent early-season fishing opportunities.

Fishing reports

Now is the time to sign up for our regional fishing reports, which are often weekly and offer the angler the most up-to-date intel on where to go fishing.

You can see if there is one in your region (some regions do joint reports) or in the region you visit to go fishing here.

Sign up for the fishing reports here.

Opening Day is about more than catching a fish

Arthur Stewart enjoying some West Coast spring fishing.

For many anglers, 1 October is one of the most anticipated days of the year. After months with little or no fishing pressure, trout can be less wary and hungry as they recover from spawning and get back into feeding.

But Opening Day isn’t just about catching fish. It’s also a great excuse to get outside, spend time with friends and family, and share the experience with someone new to fishing.

Across the country, Fish & Game staff, clubs and volunteers are helping more people get on the water, whether they’re picking up a rod for the first time or looking to build their skills.

In Nelson Marlborough, there’s a full programme of fishing clinics coming up, including junior fly-fishing, beginner and softbait courses, while its Women on the Fly programme continues to grow.

In Otago, more than 400 children and their families take part in Take a Kid Fishing events each year and recent adult beginner courses have helped dozens of people catch their first fish and build the confidence to keep fishing.

There are plenty of opportunities elsewhere too, from women’s fly-fishing in North Canterbury and family fishing days in Northland, to the return of the Kids Salmon Fishing Day in the Central South Island region.

So, whether you’ve been fishing for years, you’re picking up a rod for the first time, or you’re keen to introduce someone else to the sport, there’s plenty to look forward to this season. The most important thing is to get out there and enjoy it.

Explore somewhere new

A quality trout from the tidal stretch of the Oreti River, near the Waikiwi River mouth.

Your favourite stretch of water might always be your favourite, but the new season is also a chance to explore.

Fish & Game's Fishing Access Map has been developed to make planning a trip easier, bringing together access points, and other useful information to help you find your way around a new waterway. 

Before you head out, it’s also worth checking the regional regulations for the water you’re planning to fish. Opening dates, fishing methods, bag limits and other rules can vary between waterways and regions, so a quick check before you leave can save an awkward surprise when you get there.

And if you're not sure where to start, the new Fishing Knowledge Hub brings together practical information on fishing methods, equipment, freshwater species, regulations and getting started.

Sometimes the best fishing story begins with simply choosing a different road and knowing the rules when you get there.

Fish & Game magazine

One thing that a whole-season licence entitles anglers to is the special fishing edition of the Fish & Game magazine.

Delivered to your door, anglers should have the latest edition in their hands now.

If you’ve shifted or yours hasn’t shown up (or some other family members have claimed first dibs), you can check out our online version here.

Looking after the fishing we love

A healthy fishery depends on more than good fishing conditions. Anglers themselves play an important role in understanding, managing and protecting our waterways.

Across the country Fish & Game is working with anglers to collect information about fish populations and fishing activity. Tagged trout programmes are underway in several regions, while anglers in Northland are being encouraged to weigh and measure their catch and submit information to help build a better picture of the health of the fishery.

In Eastern, Opening Day surveys will provide valuable information about catches and fishing methods, while Central South Island has continued extensive monitoring of its salmon fishery.

There is also a shared responsibility to prevent the spread of aquatic pests. The message remains simple: Check. Clean. Dry.

And wherever you're fishing, know the regulations, respect other anglers, handle released fish carefully and remember that once you've reached your daily bag limit, it's time to stop fishing.

A hefty Wairarapa brownie caught and released by Cam Carter last season. 

The 2026/27 season brings new opportunities, new places to explore and plenty of reasons to get outdoors.

So check your gear, get your licence sorted, study the regulations, check the weather and river condition, and start planning your first trip.

Whether it's a familiar river at first light, a family day at a stocked lake, a new technique you've been wanting to try, or simply somewhere you've never fished before, the new season is waiting.

See what's happening in your region and read the full September report from your local Fish & Game team.

Good luck for the 2026/27 season and tight lines!