Brown Trout

How to identify brown trout

Colour depends on where the fish lives. River fish are darker, with brown or black spots and red spots that often have a pale halo. Lake and sea-run fish look more silver with fewer, fainter spots. The tail fin seldom has spots, which helps separate brown trout from rainbow trout. Compared with salmon, brown trout are stockier, with a thicker tail wrist and a shorter, deeper anal fin. Large silver sea-run browns are sometimes mistaken for salmon.

Where it lives in New Zealand

Brown trout are found in rivers and lakes almost everywhere in New Zealand south of Auckland. They are sparse in the northern North Island, probably because winter water is too warm for their eggs, and are not established on the Chatham or Stewart Islands. Some fish spend time at sea. They spawn in autumn and early winter, when females dig nests in gravel. Browns hide under banks, rocks and streamside plants and are easily spooked.

How to catch it

A Fish & Game freshwater fishing licence is required. Brown trout are taken on natural baits, spinners and wobblers, and on flies including nymphs, wet flies, lures and dry flies. Spinners of about 5 to 10 g suit most rivers. Hare and copper or pheasant tail nymphs and small dry flies such as an Adams work well. Browns are warier than rainbows, so approach quietly and keep low. Check your region's rules before fishing.

Eating

Smoking is the most popular and traditional way to cook trout. Wild trout cannot be bought or sold in New Zealand, so the only way to eat one is to catch it yourself. Some lodges and restaurants will cook a fish you bring in.

Good to know

Brown trout are native to Europe. They were first brought to New Zealand in the late 1860s from British stock already established in Tasmania. They are now the most widespread introduced fish in New Zealand. A fish over 5 kg is considered a trophy.

Questions

Where can you catch brown trout in NZ?

Almost anywhere south of Auckland. Brown trout live in rivers and lakes through most of New Zealand but are sparse in the northern North Island. Look for them under banks, rocks and streamside plants, and approach quietly, as browns are warier than rainbows and spook easily.

Do you need a licence to fish for trout in NZ?

Yes. You need a Fish & Game freshwater fishing licence, or a Taupō fishing licence from DOC in the Taupō fishery. Seasons, bag limits and permitted methods are set by region and water, so check the rules for the river or lake you plan to fish.

Can you buy brown trout in NZ?

No. Wild trout cannot be bought or sold in New Zealand, so the only way to eat one is to catch it yourself. Some lodges and restaurants will cook a fish you bring in. Smoking is the most popular and traditional way to cook trout.