Wellington Fish & Game

30/09/2026

First weekly fishing report for the new season and conditions are looking great if you can get out tomorrow for Opening, or over the weekened!

Grab your licence and get into the action.

Hit the link below to check out the latest updates in your patch...

https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/follow-the-fish/regional-fishing-reports/lower-north-lowdown-weekly-fishing-report-30-september-2026/

22/09/2026

"... the bills do not recognise fishing and game bird hunting values, do not protect trout and salmon habitat, and do not guarantee recreation or access."

The Government has replaced the Resource Management Act with two new laws that do not properly recognise angling, game bird hunting, or the habitats our species depend on. The debate is not over, and there is a real chance to shape what comes next. Fish & Game has made this case at every stage, and....

21/09/2026

Congrats to Braedan! He won the national Fish & Game photo comp with his shot taken on our very own Hutt River!

📸 We have a winner! 🎣

Congratulations to Braedan de Lange, whose stunning photo from the Hutt River in the Wellington region took out our winter fishing photo competition, run in partnership with Latitude Fly Gear.

After a slow start with spooky fish and plenty of glare, Braedan moved to a spot closer to town and found an obliging trout, tempting it with a size 18 nymph tied under a Parachute Adams.

In Braedan's words: "There's 50-plus kilometres of river with access all the way along the Hutt. You can make a whole day of it walking kilometres upstream, or jump in for an hour or so. Personally I prefer taking my time looking for feeding trout and casting to them. It's a brilliant river that we're lucky to have."

Braedan takes home a Latitude Fly Gear prize pack: a cap, neoprene compression pants, gravel guard wading socks, and a fully waterproof 30L backpack.

Thanks to everyone who got out on the water this winter and shared their best moments with us, and thanks to our sponsor Latitude Fly Gear making it possible.

06/09/2026

🐟 New this season: the Fishing Knowledge Hub. Your one-stop online home for everything freshwater fishing in New Zealand. 🐟

🎣 Whether you're picking up a rod for the first time or you've fished our rivers and lakes for years, there's something for you. Guides and how-to videos covering licences, where and when to fish, gear, techniques and preparing your catch, all in one place.

Explore the Hub. https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/freshwater-fishing-in-new-zealand/fishing-knowledge-hub/

New to freshwater fishing or after handy tips and info? We've got you covered. Everything you need for freshwater fishing in New Zealand, all in one place. 🪝

02/09/2026

02/09/2026

The 2026-27 freshwater fishing season opens 1 October, and licences are on sale now.

Get in early so the run-up to opening day is all about the good stuff: sorting your gear, lining up trips with mates, and choosing good spots.

New this season, we've launched the Fishing Knowledge Hub, your one-stop online home for everything freshwater fishing. From choosing gear and reading the water to techniques and preparing your catch, plus a growing library of how-to videos.

New Zealand is rated among the best freshwater fishing destinations in the world, and it's right on your doorstep. Buy your licence, explore the Hub, and we'll see you out there.

Buy your licence here: https://fishandgame.eslltd.co.nz/

New to freshwater fishing or after handy tips and info? We've got you covered. Everything you need for freshwater fishing in New Zealand, all in one place.

Check out our Fishing Knowledge Hub: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/fishing-knowledge-hub

01/09/2026

🏆 CONGRATULATIONS MATT! 🏆

Big congrats to Matt Diedrich who took the winning shot in this season’s Game Bird Bulletin hunting newsletter photo competition! 📸🦆

Matt’s Chesky Fousek, ‘Nero’, is pictured proudly posing with a brace of fine Rangitīkei roosters — a cracking photo and a worthy winner! 👏

Matt takes home:
🎁 A $300 voucher from Hunting & Fishing Wairarapa
📖 A copy of Peter Ryan’s awesome new book, Riding The Echo Down

A huge thank you to Greg and the team at Hunting & Fishing New Zealand, Wairarapa, and to Pete Ryan, for generously sponsoring our prizes.

And, of course, thanks to everyone who sent in photos this season. We had some fantastic entries, and it’s great to see hunters sharing shots of their mates, dogs, birds and memorable days in the field.

Bring on next season! 🐕🦆🎯

28/08/2026

Last weekend to get out for a hunt this season!

Remember that along with upland game - pheasants and quail - you can also target pukeko and swan through to the end of the weekend.

Swan and pooks make a great addition to salami and sausages when combined with venison, but they can taste great in their own right when prepared properly.

Check out the recipes here: https://www.fishandgame.org.nz/game-bird-hunting-in-new-zealand/hunting-knowledge-hub/recipes/

Make the most of the last few days to harvest some game birds!!!