The following Otago rivers are Designated Waters Fisheries, if you want to fish these waters you require a valid Designated Waters Licence in addition to your whole season Fishing Licence.
Please select here to purchase a Designated Waters Licence.
The following Otago rivers are designated Designated Waters Fisheries if you want to fish the Designated Waters you will require a Designated Waters Licence.
Otago Designated Waters Fisheries are split into two zones, Northern and Southern click on the zone you want and you can download an overview map, or alternatively you can click on the map link below to load a map and access information for that river.
Greenstone River
Map: Please select here
Open Season: 1 Nov – 31 May
Method: Fly Only
Bag limit: 1 trout, 0 salmon
Reach: The designated waters reach of the Greenstone River begins upstream of the first swing bridge situated closest to the river mouth, on the Elfin Bay / Lake Rere walking track, and extends to the source at Lake McKellar. All tributary streams flowing into the Greenstone River are designated waters including the Caples River.
A Controlled Fishery also applies in the Upper Greenstone above the Sly Burn confluence from (1 Feb – 31) March each season. Please refer to the Greenstone Controlled Fishery information page for further details.
Caples River
Map: Please select here
Open Season: 1 Nov – 31 May
Method: Fly Only
Bag limit: 1 trout, 0 salmon
Reach: The entire length of the Caples River.
Dingle Burn
Map: Please select
Open Season: 1 Nov – 31 May
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1 trout, 0 salmon
Reach: Upstream of the bridge on the Dingle Burn Station access road.
Upper Lochy River
Map: Please select here
Open Season: 1 Nov – 31 May
Method: Fly Only
Bag Limit: 0 - Catch and Release only
Reach: Above the confluence with Disputed Creek
Nevis River
Map: Please select here
Open Season: 1 Oct – 30 April
Method: Fly Only
Bag Limit: 1 trout (not bigger 400mm in length)
Reach: Upstream from the confluence with the Kawarau River.
A voluntary beat system is in place in the Nevis River Designated Waters Fishery.
To indicate which beat you are fishing please park next to the appropriate beat sign and leave your intentions on your dashboard.
You may fish an occupied beat behind other anglers.
Please respect the beat system which is designed to minimise angler contacts and “share the water”.
BEATS:(Click on beat below to view a map)
Note: Downstream of Preservation Beat 2013 is Recognition Reach and upstream of Top Flats Beat is Headwater Reach. There is no beat system for these sections of the Nevis River and normal courtesy applies.
For further details or information on the Nevis River beat system please contact Otago Fish and Game on (03) 477 9076 or [email protected]
Hunter River
Map: Please select here
Open Season: 1 Nov – 31 May
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1 trout, 0 salmon
Reach: Upstream from the river’s mouth where the river enters Lake Hawea.
Young River
Map: Please select here
Open Season: 1 Nov – 31 May
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bay Limit: 1 trout, 0 salmon
Reach: Upstream from the confluence with the Makarora River.
Wilkin River
Map: Please select here
Open Season: 1 Nov – 31 May
Methods: Fly and Spin
Bay Limit: 1 trout, 0 salmon
Reach: Upstream from the confluence with the Makarora River.
Upper Pomahaka River
Map: Please select here
Open Season: 1 Oct – 30 Apr
Method: Fly and Spin
Bag Limit: 1 trout, 1 salmon
Reach: Designated Water Pomahaka River upstream of the Hukarere Station Bridge on Hukarere Station Road.
Etiquette for Otago Designated Waters Anglers
Respect fellow anglers and remember they arrived at the river with the same expectations as you.- Never ever cut in front of other anglers regardless of how desperate you are to get to the water.
- If fishing solo, invite an angler you meet to fish with you or share the available water. You may both learn something.
- Use a quality line which strikes a balance between strength and visibility so that fish can be landed smartly. Do not play fish excessively.
- When releasing fish, do so with great care and try to keep the fish in the water as much as possible.
Prevent the spread of freshwater pests
Please click here and read the important information provided.
Compliance Monitoring
Fish and Game will be monitoring compliance on designated waters fisheries during the season. Non-compliance with the Designated waters licence and controlled period licence requirements is an offence under the Conservation Act and subject to a maximum fine of $5000.
Fish & Game looks forward to your cooperation in the management of these fisheries, and we encourage you to show courtesy and respect to one another.
If you require further assistance please contact us.