The Upper Oreti Designated Water Fishery includes the Oreti River and its tributaries upstream of the State Highway 97 bridge (near Mossburn).

To fish the Upper Oreti Designated Water Fishery, anglers must obtain a Designated Waters Licence. To get your Designated Waters Licence click here.

Only current Adult whole season licence, Family licence, Loyal senior, Non-resident whole season licence and Local area licence holders are eligible to get a Designated Waters Licence.

The Upper Oreti River Beat System

To avoid overcrowding, access to the fishery operates under a voluntary beat system.

Each beat has its own beat signpost with a specified car park. Simply, park at your chosen beat and then fish within the boundaries of that beat. 

The presence of a vehicle at a beat sign indicates to other anglers which beats are occupied.  

You may fish an occupied beat downstream of (i.e., behind) other anglers. Leaving a note on your dash stating the time you departed and your intentions, will help other anglers who may arrive to plan their day. 

As a courtesy to fellow anglers please respect this beat system. It will ensure that everyone enjoys their day fishing.

For further details or information on the Upper Oreti River beat system please contact Southland Fish and Game at (03) 215 9117 or [email protected].

Upper Oreti River Beats

Individual beats are listed below (please select image to view map), for an overview of the Upper Oreti click here.

1 - Mount Nicholas Bridge Beat

To fish the Mount Nicholas Bridge Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish upstream of the red marker, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers. 
2 - Ashton Burn Beat

To fish the Ashton Burn Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish between the blue markers, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers.
3 - Upper Oreti Hut Beat

To fish the Upper Oreti Hut Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish between the yellow markers, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers.
4 - Patterson's Bush Beat

To fish the Patterson's Bush Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish between the red markers, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers.
5 - Lincoln Hill Beat

To fish the Lincoln Hill Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish between the blue markers, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers. Note that the Lincoln Hill beat DOES NOT include the Three Kings Gorge.
6 - Three Kings Gorge Beat

To fish the Three Kings Gorge Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish between the red markers, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers. Note this beat DOES include the Three Kings Gorge.
7 - Windy Hill Beat

To fish the Windy Hill Beat Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish between the blue markers, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers.
8 - Gravel Pit Beat

To fish the Gravel Pit Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish between the red markers, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers.
9 - Windley Beat

To fish the Windley Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish between the blue markers, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers.
10 - Windley River Beat

To fish the Windley River Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish upstream of the yellow markers, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers. Note that other anglers may have accessed the Windley River from the West Dome Forestry Road.
11 - So Big Creek Beat

To fish the So Big Creek Beat (click map for fishing boundary details), please park next to the Fish & Game beat sign. Fish between the red markers, and leave a note on your vehicle indicating the date and time of your departure for the benefit of other anglers.

Downstream of the So Big Creek Beat & upstream of the State Highway 97 bridge, there are no beat controls - access to the river operates under normal angler etiquette.