Otago Harbour is so clean and healthy that shellfish and edible seaweed are commercially harvested for us all to enjoy. It also means the harbour’s 27km length offers is a great attraction for locals and visitors fishing from the wharves, beaches, or by boat and diving. From Middlemarch to Waikouaiti, you’ll discover rare fresh water fishing gems in rivers, lakes and streams. Local fishing charters can take you to sweet inshore spots on the ocean blue.
For local tips or gear, check out fishing shops such as Hunting & Fishing New Zealand’s Dunedin shop, or West Shell.
Fly Fishing
Dunedin is one of New Zealand's undiscovered gems of international fly fishing travel. From Dunedin a wide range of fly fishing opportunities await you with the marvellous rivers of the south providing a huge variety of opportunities. Head to Middlemarch to seek out brown trout, sea trout and perch in the eddies of the Taieri River. Discover the special spots using professional guides such as Wild Angler or Casey Craven, or see the Fish and Game Otago site to order copies of their guides.You’ll need a fishing licence for freshwater fishing.
Salmon Fishing
Most salmon are caught trolling, locals know the best places to troll their lures both within the harbour and outside the entrance off Taiaora Head.
Wharf Fishing
You’ll see people, young and old, gathered on the Steamer Basin wharves found at the city centre’s waterfront. Catches of salmon are common thanks to the annual local release of hatchery reared salmon into Otago Harbour. There is a public fishing wharf at Port Chalmers’ Boilers Point, too. Alternatively drive a leisurely 25 minutes north of Dunedin to the quiet sea-side hamlet of Karitane, and cast your line from its wharf, situated where a quiet lagoon meets the golden sands of a long, pristine ocean beach.
Sea Fishing
Dunedin is a sea fisherman's dream! Plenty of blue cod to be caught, along with the odd trumpeter and red cod. School groper cruise in shallower waters – with some real beauties landed in the deep. Charter a fishing vessel to take you offshore, to find the sweet inshore spots for catching sea fish, often attracting curious wildlife such as albatross, penguins, seals to witness your efforts. Dunedin-based hosts such as Ezifish Charters , have the local knowledge to ensure your success. Dunedin’s Highland Helicopters can fly you to your idea of fishing heaven – a short flight to Moeraki for a charter fishing experience off the stunning North Otago coastline (or stay on shore to sample the succulent menu at Fleur’s Place).
Trout Fishing
Southern Reservoir, Tomahawk Lagoon and Sullivan's Dam are all located within 10 minutes drive from Dunedin and are loaded with trout. These have been stocked with the help of Fish & Game Otago and the DCC, with an emphasis on providing experience for young anglers.
Further Information
Read more at Fish & Game New Zealand, Otago information.