Fishing for sea-run salmon is different in the Central South Island (CSI) and North Canterbury regions and requires a special sea-run salmon licence.

Anybody who wants to fish for or keep sea-run salmon in CSI and North Canterbury regions must obtain a “Sea Run Salmon Licence” in addition to their sports fishing licence.

This season’s fishing for sea run salmon is different in the Central South Island (CSI) and North Canterbury regions.

Anybody who wants to fish for or keep sea-run salmon in CSI and North Canterbury regions must obtain a “Sea Run Salmon Licence” in addition to their whole season sports fishing licence. Below are some common questions from anglers and the answers:

FAQ Sea-run Salmon Licence

A: Any angler that wants to fish for or keep a sea run salmon in any of the sea run salmon waters of the Central South Island and North Canterbury Fish & Game regions must obtain a Sea-Run Salmon Licence. This includes anglers targeting trout that may wish to keep a sea run salmon incidentally caught. 

For clarity, sea run salmon waters are:

In North Canterbury Fish and Game Region:

  • Ashley River downstream of Ashley Gorge Road
  • Avon River downstream of the Barbadoes Street bridge
  • Cam River from the Kaiapoi River confluence to the Smith Street bridge
  • Heathcote River downstream of the Colombo Street bridge
  • Hurunui River below the South Branch confluence
  • Kaiapoi River downstream of the confluence of the Cust Main Drain
  • Lee Stream
  • Rakaia River downstream of the Coleridge Tailrace confluence
  • Saltwater Creek
  • Tentburn Outfall
  • Waiau River downstream of the Hope River confluence
  • Waimakariri River downstream of the Staircase Stream confluence

In Central South Island Fish and Game Region:

  • Ashburton River
  • Bells Pond (Waitaki River irrigation pond at Ross Road)
  • Bortons Pond (Waitaki River irrigation pond at Black Point, State Highway 83)
  • Deep Creek (a tributary of the upper Rangitata River)
  • Deep Stream (a tributary of the upper Rangitata River)
  • Hakataramea River
  • Hinds River
  • Kakanui River
  • Maerewhenua River
  • Ohapi Creek
  • Opihi River
  • Opuha River and tributaries
  • Orari River and tributaries
  • Pareora River
  • Rangitata Diversion Race upstream of the Rakaia River Road bridge
  • Rangitata River and tributaries
  • Te Ana a Wai River and tributaries
  • Temuka River and tributaries
  • Waihao River
  • Waihi River and tributaries
  • Waitaki River

A: Only whole season licence holders are eligible for a Sea Run Salmon Licence, that is one of the following licence types:

  • A family licence,
  • An adult, junior or child whole-season licence (resident or non-resident),
  • A loyal senior licence,
  • A local area licence for either the Central South Island or North Canterbury Fish & Game regions.

A: Two ways, either:

  • When purchasing your whole-season licence in-store or online, you will have the option to add the sea run salmon licence to your shopping cart; if purchasing instore, licence agents will assist you to obtain the licence and must print out your “Sea Run Salmon Endorsement” that includes the “Temporary Sea Run Salmon Season Bag Limit Card.”
  • Or, after purchasing your whole-season licence, go to the Fish & Game website and apply for your licence (link). Print out your “Sea Run Salmon Licence” that includes the “Temporary Sea Run Salmon Season Bag Limit Card.

A:  You will receive: 

  • A “Sea Run Salmon Licence” printout that includes the “Temporary Sea Run Salmon Season Bag Limit Card.” is valid for 10 days only.
  • By post within 10 days, a Sea-Run salmon waterproof Season Bag Limit Card that replaces the temporary paper licence. 

Anglers must transfer all catch entries from their Temporary Sea Run Salmon Season Bag Limit Card to their waterproof Sea Run Salmon Season Bag Limit Card.  

A: You must:

  • Carry it with you at all times when fishing for sea run salmon in Central South Island and North Canterbury regions,
  • Produce it to a Fish & Game Ranger on demand,
  • Immediately upon keeping a sea run salmon,­ fill in the details of the catch,
  • Return your card to Fish & Game at the end of the season, whether you kept fish or not. You can do this either online or return it to the North Canterbury and CSI Fish & Game offices.

A: From 2022, the sea run salmon card will cost $5. This is to cover the cost of printing and distributing the cards to licence holders.