A vast school of kahawai just inside the mouth of the Clutha River.
Clutha River Mouth Kahawai – Excellent Aerial Photographs

The Clutha River Mouth, near Kaitangata in South Otago, is one of New Zealand’s top kahawai fishing spots. Anglers often find large schools gathering in the slack water where the incoming and outgoing tides meet. The best action occurs around two hours after low tide, especially when the water is clean and clear. Fish the north side of the mouth for the best results, and be mindful of the strong current when hooked kahawai run downstream. Dawn and dusk are prime times to target these hard-fighting fish.

Kahawai The People's Fish by Gerard Hindmarsh.
Kahawai The People’s Fish

Discover why kahawai is New Zealand’s beloved “people’s fish.” Learn about its history, behavior, fishing tips, and over 30 delicious recipes to make the most of your catch.

Kahawai taken spinning a light-weight jig.
Kahawai Cuisine by Shirley Burt

Kahawai Cuisine by Shirley Burt Mention kahawai and most fishermen I will talk about them.

This beautiful watercolour of a kahawai was painted by Frank Edward Clarke at Hokitika in 1872 (149 years ago). Arripis trutta (NZ) : Kahawai, 1872, by Frank Edward Clarke. Purchased 1921. Te Papa (1992-0035-2278/90)
Kahawai fishing on light spinning tackle, soft baits, and fly rod

Kahawai are one of New Zealand’s most exciting sport fish, renowned for their powerful runs and aerial leaps. This article explores how to catch kahawai on light spinning tackle, soft baits, and even the fly rod. Learn the best lures, hook setups, and techniques for targeting these fast-moving predators around river mouths and surf beaches, plus expert tips for choosing the right gear and fishing clear-water conditions.

Kahawai for breakfast. These fish are unbelievable fighters on the light weight fly rod.
Kahawai For Breakfast On My #6 Sage Fly Rod

Kahawai For Breakfast On My #6 Sage Fly Rod By Johnny Groome On the end.

Aaron with a hard fighting kahawai landed on a saltwater fly off the Arawata River mouth.
Arawata River Mouth Kahawai on Saltwater Fly & Ultra Light Spin Gear

Arawata River Mouth Kahawai on Saltwater Fly & Ultra Light Spin Gear with Dick Marquand.

Malcolm Bell removing a lure from a kahawai before release at the mouth of the Waimakariri River.
Best Kahawai Fishing Lure – Small sprat shaped lures are the best

Discover the best lures for catching kahawai on spinning gear. This guide explains why small, silver, sprat-shaped lures outperform larger ones and how lure weight, shape, and hook choice can make all the difference. Learn expert tips for selecting the ideal kahawai lure, using light tackle, and improving your hook-up rate when fishing river mouths and surf beaches.

Malcolm Bell fishing for kahawai on light tackle.
Kahawai Spin Fishing at River Mouths – Great on Light Tackle Video

Kahawai Fishing at River Mouths on Light Tackle Video Kahawai is one of the most.

A fragile Chinook salmon parr from a Canterbury high country stream.
Kahawai Fishing Tips: Techniques, Lures, Spots – Video

Discover proven kahawai fishing tips for New Zealand anglers. Learn the best lures, light tackle techniques, and where to find fast-moving kahawai schools from shore or river mouths.

Light Tackle Kahawai Spinning – Exciting Low-Cost Game Fishing Video
Light Tackle Kahawai Spinning – Exciting Low-Cost Game Fishing Video

Light Tackle Kahawai Spinning makes for Exciting Low-Cost Game Fishing at River Mouths Video: You.

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