New fishing access points open on Catlins River

Anglers have easier access to the upper Catlins River with the establishment of five new public fishing access points.

The new access points on Cairn Rd around Wisp Hill are the result of on-the-ground monitoring and collaboration led by Otago Fish & Game with Southern Forests Ltd.

Above: Otago Fish & Game honorary ranger Dan Natta checks out one of the new access points on the upper Catlins River. Photos: Bruce Quirey, Otago Fish & Game

They followed an ecological investigation of the upper catchment involving spawning surveys, habitat assessments, and electric fishing in tributaries in the past couple of years.

Fish & Game ecologist Jayde Couper said the initiative demonstrates Otago Fish & Game’s role in actively monitoring waterways, advocating for public access, and working constructively with landowners.

A 2023 report by Mr Couper said while the area investigated in the upper Catlins catchment was in good health — with brown trout, non-migratory galaxiids and kōura (freshwater crayfish) found at nearly every survey site — poor legal access was a barrier.

"Our investigation showed a healthy, self-sustaining trout population, but a lack of formal marginal strips meant many anglers were likely trespassing inadvertently," Mr Couper said.

"By combining ecological data with a desktop review of access, we identified where the gaps were. These five new points ensure anglers can now reach the water legally and safely."

Dan Natta fly-fishes on the upper Catlins River via one of the new access points around Wisp Hill.

The surveys also found that prolific riverside gorse was an issue, blocking access to the river margin.

In response, Otago Fish & Game partnered with Southern Forests Ltd, which manages large plantation forests in the catchment, including the timber production forest established on Wisp Hill for Ingka Investments.

Forestry manager Josh Cairns said improving access has always been a priority for the company and the landowner.

“Giving people the opportunity to enjoy this piece of water, and just appreciate the environment it is in, is important to us.”

He said that they had invested tens of thousands of dollars in gorse and broom control and had planted almost 200,000 mixed natives in riparian margins to support environmental outcomes and recreation.

"We’ve improved access tracks leading right to the river’s edge," Mr Cairns said.

He said the company maintained setbacks much larger than required by law — often 30 to 100 metres from the water’s edge — to protect the tea-coloured waterway.

"Working with Otago Fish & Game has helped us install clear signage so the public can enjoy this environment without compromising forestry operations."

Mr Cairns encouraged the community to "leave only footprints" and treat the resource with respect.

Mr Couper said the Catlins River was a locally important fishery that sustained between 900 and 4500 angler days per year, according to the National Anglers Survey.

“This project is Fish & Game working alongside landowners to get results for our anglers and encouraging more people to get out and enjoy fishing in healthy environments.”

The new Catlins River access points can be found on the Fish & Game’s online access map.