Waitaki River Salmon Fishing - North Otago, South Island, New Zealand - Searun Brown Trout

Waitaki Salmon Contest Winner Calder Wilson with Nelson Bolstead

The fish of a life time! This monster salmon weighed 16.040kg (35.3lb). It was caught by Calder Wilson (left) during the 1994 Waitaki Salmon Fishing Contest. It is held up for the camera by Nelson Bolstead. Mr Bolstead is a scientist with NIWA. He is an expert on all things "salmon."

Waitaki River Salmon Fishing Contest

Salmon anglers fishing the gut during the Waitaki River Salmon Fishing Contest.

The Waitaki River is renown for producing the heaviest salmon. It also tends to fish best later in the season March and April. *Photo: Keith Reinke.*

Salmon angling in New Zealand's South Island.

Waitaki River - Salmon Fishing in Big Water.

Russel McGregor with a solid Waitaki River salmon.

Main picture above: Salmon anglers fishing near the Waitaki Rivermouth

Waitaki River Salmon Fishing Contest Winning fish weights since 1984

First Fishing Contest held on Waitaki River



Waitaki River Mouth Fishing MAP

Waitaki Woppa
History of Salmon Fishing in the Waitaki River.
Wataki River Salmon Fishing History.
Do you catch more salmon if you have a jet boat?

Keith Reinke is a top salmon angler and a Waitaki River stalwart.

The Waitaki River produces the heaviest salmon each year.


Salmon anglers and their motorbikes at the mouth of the Waitaki River.