Salmon Fishing in New Zealand

New Zealand Salmon fishing originated from California, USA. Since then, salmon have been introduced or have found their own way into most of the South Island's east coast river systems. Salmon begin returning to the rivers in mid November to start their migration up to their spawning grounds in the headwater tributaries. In New Zealand the main salmon fishing season runs from January to mid April. The salmon run peaks during February and March.

New Zealand's salmon is the Quinnat, (also known as the Chinook or King) which can grow up to 40 lbs. Some seasons produce an abundance of larger fish, over all they average between 12 to 15 lbs.
The Rakaia River offers excellent sea-run salmon fishing. The best time to plan a trip is during February when river flows tend to be stable, after the period of major snow melt in the Southern Alps.

Most salmon are caught on heavy spinning tackle upriver or on specialised long distance casting tackle in the surf next to the river mouth. The salmon with an average size of around 8kg is one of the most highly sought-after sports fish in the country. Without the usual visible trapping of civilization fishing is the streams meandering through open tussock lands and beech forest against a backdrop of the Southern Alps is a special experience.

Most New Zealand salmon are taken on spinning gear, with fly fisherman experiencing some success.

NZ Salmon Fishing - All lakes, rivers and streams in the eastern zone not mentioned below

Salmon Fishing on the Acheron River

Salmon Fishing on the Ashley River below Oxford-Glentui Road Bridge

Salmon Fishing on the Avon River except between the Armagh and Barbadoes Street bridges

Salmon Fishing on the Cam River above State Highway No 1 Bridge

Salmon Fishing on the Cam River below State Highway No 1 Bridge

Salmon Fishing on Lake Coleridge

Salmon Fishing on Lake Courtney

Salmon Fishing on Lake Ellesmere, (Te Waihora)

Salmon Fishing - Groynes Fishing Lakes, Christchurch

Salmon Fishing on the Hackett's Creek

Salmon Fishing on the Hurunui River below the South Branch confluence

Salmon Fishing on the Kaiapoi River above the Cust Main Drain confluence

Salmon Fishing on the Kaiapoi River below the Cust Main Drain confluence

Salmon Fishing at the Katrine, Loch

Salmon Fishing on the Leader River

Salmon Fishing on the Lee Stream

Salmon Fishing on the Mandamas River

Salmon Fishing on the Pahau River

Salmon Fishing on Lake Pearson

Salmon Fishing on the Rakaia River below the Coleridge Tailrace confluence

Salmon Fishing on the Saltwater Creek

Salmon Fishing on the South Branch of Waimakariri above Dickies Road Bridge

Salmon Fishing on the South Branch of Waimakariri below Dickies Road Bridge

Salmon Fishing on the Styx River above the Marshlands Road Bridge

Salmon Fishing on the Styx River below Marshlands Road Bridge

Salmon Fishing on Lake Sumner

Salmon Fishing on Te Waihora (Lake Ellesmere)

Salmon Fishing on the Tentburn Stream

Salmon Fishing on the Waiau River below the Hope River confluence

Salmon Fishing on the Waimakariri River below the Staircase Stream confluence

Salmon Fishing on the Waimakariri, South Branch above Dickies Road Bridge

Salmon Fishing on the Waimakariri, South Branch below Dickies Road Bridge

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