Sea-Run Salmon

  Click here to fill in the Sea-Run Salmon Return Form.

What Are Sea‑Run Salmon and Why Do They Have Extra Management? 

Sea-run salmon, also known as Chinook or quinnat salmon, are one of New Zealand’s most iconic and prized sport fish. Introduced from California in the early 1900s, the salmon are in rivers over the South Island, especially in North Canterbury (NC) and the Central South Island (CSI) Fish & Game regions. 

What makes sea-run salmon unique is their extraordinary lifecycle. Born in the clean, cool gravels in the headwaters of inland rivers like the Rakaia, Waimakariri, and the Rangitata, juvenile salmon spend their early months in freshwater before migrating out to sea. There, they grow rapidly over 2–4 years, historically reaching impressive sizes, before instinctively returning to the same river they were born in, to spawn. 

This return journey from the ocean, known as the salmon run, is a once-in-a-lifetime mission for the fish. After re-entering freshwater, the salmon stop feeding entirely, focusing all their energy on reaching upstream spawning grounds. Once they spawn, they die, completing a natural cycle. 

These fish are not only a favourite target for anglers—they are a keystone species, connecting river and ocean environments. 

Sea-Run Salmon Regulations 

Since the 2021/22 fishing season, a season bag limit has applied to sea-run salmon in both the North Canterbury (NC) and Central South Island (CSI) Fish & Game regions. 

Sea-run salmon populations are under serious pressure. When salmon return from the sea, they come back to spawn, an essential part of the species' lifecycle. Salmon caught and kept by anglers do not spawn, which means they don’t contribute to the next generation. By limiting how many salmon can be kept each season, anglers are playing a vital role in protecting the future of this fishery. 

This is the most significant change to sea-run salmon management in over 120 years, since their introduction to New Zealand. 

How the Season Bag Limit Works 

To fish for sea-run salmon in North Canterbury or Central South Island, anglers must: 

1. Hold an eligible whole-season fishing licence (see below).
2. Purchase the $5 Sea-Run Salmon Licence Add-on, which provides a Sea-Run Salmon Season Bag Limit Card. 

This card entitles the licence holder to harvest up to a specified number of sea-run salmon per season, across both regions combined. 

Eligible Licences 

The following licence types are eligible to purchase a Sea-Run Salmon Licence: 

• Whole Season (Adult, Junior & Child) 

• Whole Season Non-Resident (Adult, Junior & Child) 

• Family Licence (One Sea-Run Salmon Licence can be issued for the whole family)

• Loyal Senior 

• Local Area Licence (Only valid for use within the nominated region, North Canterbury or Central South Island) 

Your Responsibilities 

• Carry your Sea-Run Salmon licence at all times when targeting sea-run salmon. 

• Immediately record all kept salmon on your card with accurate details. 

• Return your card at the end of the season—this is required whether you caught any salmon. Card details should be entered online, or physical cards should be sent to either the North Canterbury or Central South Island Fish & Game office. 

• Present your card on request to any Fish & Game Ranger. 

Fish & Game Rangers take compliance seriously. Failure to follow these rules is an offence under the Conservation Act 1987 and will result in enforcement action.