Spey River

Running through Southland, New Zealand, Spey River is the kind of river that fishes well at the right water level. Drop a lure or fly into the bubble line at the head of a pool and let the current swing it past holding fish. Long, slow glides at Spey River hold the bigger fish; the broken water above and below holds the smaller, more aggressive ones. Stay quiet on the bank — river fish are easily spooked.

Location

-45.5167, 167.2830 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species Reported in Southland

These species are commonly caught at fishing spots across Southland. Conditions at Spey River may vary.

Brown troutRainbow troutEuropean perchEastern Australian salmonChinook salmonAustralasian snapper

Fishing Techniques

• For Brown trout

  When fishing streams, focus on seams and current breaks, where trout hold to ambush prey.

• For Rainbow trout

  Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

• For European perch

  Vary your retrieve speed and lure depth until you find what the perch are responding to on that day, and use light line.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species reported in Southland.

Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Spey River? Check current conditions before you go: water level, recent weather, and any local closures. New Zealand regulations on licences, seasons, and bag limits apply at Spey River — confirm them ahead of time.

Nearby Spots in Southland

See all fishing spots in Southland →

Other Fishing Regions in New Zealand