Where To Freshwater Fish in NZ

Wherever you go in New Zealand, north or south, inland or near the coast, you are likely to be close by to some pretty good trout fishing.

Rivers and lakes, even the small streams that meander through meadow and woodland are all likely to hold trout, usually good ones. Keen trout fishers rarely travel without a rod and reel packed in the car, there are so many opportunities to fish for trout.

You can stand idly on the river bank, wade deep into the fast flowing river or lake by the stream mouth, or you can fish atop the lake; trolling from your boat or perched amidst a float tube, pontoon boat or kayak.

The weather conditions rarely matter either – in fact rain is often believed to get the fish moving and feeding.

For more information about Fishing Locations and Access in each of the regions of New Zealand, select a region by clicking on the interactive map at the top right of this page. Then click on the 'Fishing Locations & Access' link in the right hand menu to see information on fishing spots in that region.

National Angling Survey report

For the 2007-08 National Angling Survey of anglers' usgae of lakes and rivers managed by Fish & Game NZ, click here.