Salmon Fishing
New Zealand is perhaps less known for its salmon fishing and while New Zealand chinook do not grow as big as their counterparts in Alaska, where a 20kg (45lb) salmon is commonplace, a four year old chinook will average 7kgs (just under 16lbs)
The difference in size is largely attributable to the fact that Alaskan salmon spend several more years at sea, whereas New Zealand’s chinook return at three to four years of age. The New Zealand salmon season runs from early October through to late April.
Each summer, beginning late December and continuing until March, usually peaking in February, chinook salmon (also known as the quinnat) ascend the rivers of the eastern regions of the South Island, including the Rakaia, Rangitata and Waitaki rivers. Usually a few weeks later, the salmon runs peak in the South Island’s West Coast rivers such as the Paringa, Taramakau, and hokitika.
Spinning or bait casting gear using a 9kg (20lb) breaking strain line and a metal ticer lure is recommended for New Zealand salmon fishing. Some innovative anglers catch salmon using deep sinking fly line and a fly lure. Guides operate mainly on the Rakaia, Rangitata and Waitaki rivers (South Island) but can be found operating in other regions. Guides can provide all fishing gear and equipment and will often use jet boats to gain access to pools where salmon may have paused.
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