Otago Fish and Game Council

10/06/2026

Fish your cares away. Sometimes a few hours by the water is just what the doctor ordered.

Life feels challenging for many New Zealanders right now.

A recent national Stuff survey found that nearly half of New Zealanders experienced anxiety in the past month. Four in ten reported feeling overwhelmed, while nearly as many said they struggled to switch off or relax mentally.

There is however some encouraging news. Recent Fish & Game research, the largest study of its kind globally, found that active anglers were 52% less likely to experience psychological distress and 46% less likely to experience anxiety. The benefits were even greater among those who fished more frequently.

If life has been feeling a bit overwhelming lately, it might be worth grabbing your fishing licence and rod and heading to your local lake or river. A few hours on the water could be just what you need.



Link to Fish & Game study results:https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/assets/Fishing/Follow-the-Fish-News-Events/Fishing-News-Events/Media-release-Worlds-largest-angling-mental-health-study-reveals-remarkable-benefits/27615-FG-Mental-Health-Fact-Sheet-Sep25-Proof3.pdf

To find fisheries that are currently open, check out the latest sports fishing regulations:
North Island:https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/assets/Fishing/Fishing-Licences-Regulations/Fishing-Regulations/27549-FG-NORTH-island-fishing-regulations-2025-2026.pdf
South Island: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/assets/Fishing/Fishing-Licences-Regulations/Fishing-Regulations/27549-FG-south-island-fishing-regulations-2025-2026.pdf

09/06/2026

Decoys not working as planned? A few small rigging tweaks can make a big difference. Check out Paul Stenning’s practical tips from years of waterfowling in the South.

Want to know why your decoy spread isn't pulling birds in? Fish & Game magazine contributor Paul Stenning shares decades of hard-won knowledge on rigging decoys to suit the conditions, from tidal rivers to soft mud walk-ins. If you've ever had ducks flaring at your spread or decoys drifting off in the wind, this one's for you.

https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/follow-the-hunt/hunting-blogs/decoy-rigging-more-than-a-weight-on-a-bit-of-string/

Learn more here https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/hunting-knowledge-hub/decoys/

The game bird issue of Fish & Game NZ magazine is available to read online now. With a print readership of 130,000 and a total audience of 208,000 across print and digital, we're one of New Zealand's most widely read magazines and every issue is packed with stories for hunters and anglers.
https://782c075b.flowpaper.com/FGIssue62WEB/ =1

06/06/2026

This week Otago Fish & Game staff and Councillor John Highton were pleased to take members of the Tiaki Maniototo Catchment Group on a tour of the Takitakitoa wetland, which was restored by Fish & Game in conjunction with the Game Bird Habitat Trust.
While it was a great opportunity to showcase the environmental restoration work funded by hunters' licence fees, the visit also served to help the group develop ideas for the potential restoration of Tunaheketaka (Taieri Lake).
As not-for-profit public entity, we boldly advocate for the restoration and protection of Otago’s freshwater ecosystems with evidence-based, sustainable management, guided by direct democratic input from our community of anglers and hunters.
We also understand the vital connection between farming and the land. Many farmers are also hunters and anglers, and we support them by managing healthy habitats, setting sustainable bag limits, and offering permits to control problematic species.

05/06/2026

The Taieri's rivers and wetlands are vital to our fisheries and game birds —check out ORC's post below and help shape the future of the catchment.

04/06/2026

A change of plans on Opening Weekend turned into a memorable hunt for Jonathan and 17-year-old Adam Wagstaff.
After losing access to their usual spot, the pair had to find a new place and make do with a simple layout blind and a bit of improvisation. The result was 22 birds over the weekend — but as Jonathan says, the best part was spending time together outdoors and making memories.
A photo of Adam in a layout blind while hunting with dad this season also features as our latest entry so far in the “Shot of the Season” Otago game bird photo competition 📸
Otago families like the Wagstaffs and the Weatheralls are truly creating great memories this season.
We’re enjoying seeing the photos coming in from around the region. Send us your best game bird hunting shots for your chance to be featured and go into the draw for a duck hunters’ prize pack thanks to Dunedin Hunting & Fishing NZ.
Also in this edition of The Game Call:
• Scouting tips
• Adapting to the season’s conditions
• Valued time with the kids
• Upland game bird season starts
• A reminder about local regulations
Full newsletter link in the comments.

02/06/2026

02/06/2026

Please be aware of this operation to stop lagarosiphon in the Kawarau River and protect Lake Whakatipu.

01/06/2026

Reminder for anglers: Otago’s high country waterways closed last weekend, following the closure of lowland waterways at the end of April.
These seasonal closures are in place to protect spawning trout and salmon.
But don’t pack the rod away just yet — there are still plenty of year-round waterways open across Otago, including larger lakes such as Wānaka, Dunstan and Waihola, and rivers such as the Clutha River (excluding the Deans Bank section), the Kawarau River, and the Taieri River below the Outram Bridge.
If you’re not sure whether a waterway is open, be sure to check the regulations before heading out.
Link to regulations in comments below:

26/05/2026

Upland game bird action in Otago kicks off this Saturday, May 30, 2026 — the start of the King’s Birthday long weekend.
• Quail are scattered in the drier parts of Central Otago and Southern Lakes districts. They’re found in shrubland on hillsides, scrubby river margins, forestry, orchards, and vineyards. Favoured habitat includes briar rose, matagouri, bracken, blackberry and gorse.
• Most hunting for California quail takes place on private land. Permission to access farmland must be obtained first from farm owners. Access to private land is a privilege, not a right.
• Be sure your dog has an up-to-date dosage with a Praziquantel drug at least 48 hours before you go to prevent the spread of tapeworms and protect farmer’s stock from sheep measles. Carry proof of dosing.
• Publicly available land for upland game bird hunting is highly limited. To hunt on these lands, you are required to hold both a valid Fish & Game hunting licence and a specific DOC game bird hunting permit. The Department of Conservation’s online permit system offers access to game bird hunting on Public Conservation Land at:
o Bendigo Scenic Reserve (upland game)
o Blackstone Hill Conservation Area (upland game)
o Diamond Lake and Lake Reid (waterfowl)

For more information, visit the Fish & Game - Where to Hunt - Otago webpage.

22/05/2026

Our team has been out across the region — from the upper lakes right through to the Maniototo — conducting spawning surveys and eDNA sampling for brown trout and salmon.
Thanks to a recent spell of fine weather, we had low, clear water — ideal conditions for spotting fish!
These surveys are a part of how we use data-driven science to protect critical habitats and manage fish and game resources. When you buy your licence, you're supporting habitat and species management work to keep our fisheries sustainable for generations to come.
A Quick Reminder: With brown trout and salmon spawning now, please watch your step in the shallows and avoid walking on redds (spawning beds).
With two weekends left in the Otago high-country season, anglers please note if you land a late-season fish, give them the best chance of spawning success by keeping these catch-and-release tips in mind:
• Wet your hands and net before touching the fish.
• Keep the fish in the water as much as possible.
• Handle with care — and never touch the gills.
• Keep photos quick, and fully revive the fish before letting go.