Freshwater Fishes
This category includes Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Mackinaw Trout, Rainbow Trout. Coarse fish have their own category. You must purchase a Fish & Game New Zealand fishing licence to fish for the following species: Brown trout, Rainbow trout, American brook trout or char, Lake trout or char, Atlantic salmon, Quinnat or chinook salmon, Sockeye salmon, Perch, Tench, Rudd (Auckland/Waikato Fish and Game Region only). Any hybrid of the above species.
Brook Trout or Brook Char – Salvelinus-fontinalis
Discover the brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis), also known as brook char, in New Zealand’s freshwater lakes and rivers. Introduced in 1877, these vibrant salmonids are prized by anglers for their striking red spots and olive-green bodies. Learn about their habitats, fishing tips, and how Fish & Game New Zealand manages brook trout populations across the North and South Islands.
Atlantic Salmon – Salmo salar – A Strange and Tragic Story in NZ
Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were introduced to New Zealand in the 1800s with the hope of establishing sea-run populations. Landlocked populations thrived in lakes and rivers like Te Anau and the Waiau, but over time numbers declined, and wild Atlantic salmon no longer exist in NZ.
Sockeye Salmon – Oncorhynchus nerka – Waitaki River Catchment – Video
Discover New Zealand’s rare landlocked Sockeye Salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) in the Waitaki River catchment. Learn about their history, spawning habits, and where to see these unique freshwater salmon in lakes Benmore, Ohau, Aviemore, and Waitaki.
Rainbow Trout – Oncorhynchus mykiss – Identification Guide New Zealand
Rainbow trout were introduced into New Zealand as early as April 1883 Oncorhynchus mykiss According.
Quinnat Salmon – Oncorhynchus-tshawytscha – introduced by 1905
Also called King, Chinook and Quinnat Salmon Also known as King salmon and Chinook salmon,.
Black Flounder – Rhombosolea retiaria
The Black Flounder (Rhombosolea retiaria) is an eye-catching flatfish found only in New Zealand’s estuaries, rivers, and coastal lakes. Recognisable by its dark green upper side with distinctive red spots, this species can travel far inland and is prized for its delicate flavour. Common throughout the South Island and lower North Island, the Black Flounder is a unique native fish that thrives in both fresh and salt water.
Blue Salmon and Rainbow Trout from Lake Coleridge – A Genetic Mutation
Blue Salmon and Rainbow Trout By Allan Burgess What are the chances of you catching.
Steelhead in New Zealand – To Sea or Not to Sea? Often the Question
Steelhead in New Zealand – To Sea or Not to Sea? The Story of Sea-Run.
Giant Eels and the Search for Monsters – fishing for real leviathans
Giant Eels and the Search for Monsters – fishing for real leviathans By Tony Stevens.
Landlocked Quinnat Salmon – Oncorhynchus tshawytscha
Landlocked Quinnat (Chinook) salmon are found in several South Island lakes, including Coleridge, Heron, and Wakatipu. Once maintained by Fish & Game releases, these freshwater salmon now appear to be self-sustaining in some waters. Typically weighing 1–2 kg, they are aggressive feeders that often school together, providing exciting fishing when a shoal passes. Bright silver with a blue sheen, landlocked Quinnat salmon are sometimes mistaken for trout but can be identified by subtle physical differences.