Otago has a range of fishing opportunities set in diverse landscapes, from pristine high country and barren Central Otago, to the lush lowland pastures of coastal Otago. The region caters to all anglers and methods.
The large Southern Lakes ‒ Wānaka, Wakatipu and Hāwea ‒ offer rainbow and brown trout and land-locked Chinook salmon and are popular with boaters. The Clutha River/Mata-au runs from Lake Wānaka to the sea. The high country offers remote bush-clad and tussock-lined lakes and rivers. Rivers and tributaries in the lower catchments, such as the Taieri and lower Clutha, extend from inland hills to productive coastal reaches. The Pomahaka, Waipahi and Shag/Waihemo rivers are renowned fisheries. Brown trout and perch are the predominant sports fish in the lower reaches.