Salmon Fishing Trips New Zealand

90% of Salmon Are Caught by 10% of Anglers … Book Your River Fishing Guide

Salmon fishing guide Ben Haywood takes you to the unique braided rivers of Canterbury, New Zealand; the rugged Southern Alps of the South Island serve as a magnificent backdrop for your salmon fishing trip. Enjoy catching wild Chinook (King) Salmon averaging between 5kg (12lb) and 11kg (25lb) in the scenic braided rivers close to Christchurch.

The region of Canterbury is New Zealand’s main destination for salmon fishing trips, and the top 4 plentiful rivers are less than 90 minutes from Christchurch International Airport.

The Chinook Salmon that migrate from the Pacific Ocean into Canterbury’s braided rivers are caught from December to the end of March. After capturing a salmon on your fishing trip (2 salmon per season angler limit) you can choose to release the fish. Alternatively, arrangements can be made to have it smoked and vacuum-packed by a commercial operator.

Your Salmon Fishing Guide

Based in Christchurch, your river fishing guide, Ben Haywood, specialises in catching Chinook Salmon on light spin tackle. He offers tailor-made single and multi-day salmon fishing trips to the more scenic and remote sections of the rivers, suitable for all abilities. Ben is your salmon fishing guide for beginners through to advanced anglers and family groups, and he has a 4WD vehicle to take you to all the top spots. He prides himself on his extensive knowledge and on delivering an outstanding fishing experience to remember.

Braided Rivers Fishing Guides Has Something for Every Angler

Multi/Day

Choose from day trips or multi-day salmon fishing tours complete with accommodation.

Advanced & Novice

Salmon fishing for all levels, from novice through to advanced anglers.

Private & Groups

Options for one-on-one angling and fishing tours with mates/family.

ALL-INCLUSIVE SALMON FISHING TRIPS

TOP-QUALITY SALMON FISHING EQUIPMENT, FOOD & DRINK, AND TRANSPORT TO/FROM YOUR ACCOMMODATION IN OR NEAR CHRISTCHURCH IS PROVIDED. 

Testimonials

Emmert – California

Ben was an awesome guide and person to go fishing during my honeymoon in NZ. He is a guide who is passionate about his work and his knowledge about the area and techniques was top notch. Everything was taken care of from start to finish. All high quality gear and tackle was supplied along with…

Jaxvosloo – Hong Kong

Thanks Ben for one of the best fishing trips of my life. Catching a rainbow trout was a bucket list item and you came through despite how rusty I was at fly fishing.

Sonya K – Australia

I booked the salmon fishing day trip – mainly for my husband….I did not expect to that I would love it so much too! We had an amazing day and Ben was so knowledgeable and friendly. I was worried as we hadn’t done this kind of fishing before but Ben was patient and a very…

Mark Vidler – New Zealand

We met in the dark hours of the morning with a good drive ahead of us. Ben’s an easy guy to get on with, but talk soon turned to the Salmon with some great background information discussed on our way to the Rakaia Gorge.As we were setting up the fish began to jump and my…

Steve Lorack – USA

I chose to fish with Ben because of his specialisation in salmon fishing. He knows the Rakaia River very well, having scouted the best spots in advance and making sure we were in position at first light. I had a nice sea run Brown Trout in the ice box before breakfast. It was a very…

Paul Rahman – Australia

Wow, we made the trip over to New Zealand hoping to catch a salmon each for the wall. I had mine by the first day and my mate by the second day. The trout fishing was just a bonus and was the best fishing we have had on some very large rainbows on tight skinny…

Why stop at salmon fishing?

How do you make your salmon fishing trip even better? By combining it with a trout fishing adventure, of course. Your fishing guide Ben can take you to discover even more of New Zealand’s stunning scenery by adding trout fishing to your excursion. From the braided rivers of Canterbury, head to the magnificent High Country and West Coast. You got the option to stay in your own self-contained modern accommodation, set in the alpine village of Arthur’s Pass.