Freshwater Fish

Tasman District is home to a mixture of native and exotic freshwater fish. This page gives an overview of the fish species that live in this area.

Native Freshwater Fish of Tasman

New Zealand’s freshwater fish are part of our natural heritage. Many species are a traditional food source and an important part of our recreational and commercial fisheries.

Our rivers, lakes and wetlands are home to 20 species of native fish, which makes the freshwater fishery of the region one of the most diverse in New Zealand. Some species, like the kokopu (giant, short-jaw and banded), koaro and red-fin bully are very sensitive to stream habitat disturbance. Giant kokopu are now very rare.

Of the 20 species of native freshwater in the rivers, lakes and wetlands of Tasman District, fifteen need to migrate between freshwater and the sea during their life. Structures such as overhanging culverts and dams can block fish access. Land drainage, flood protection schemes, and introduced pest fish can also affect our native fish.

Fish and Large Invertebrate Species

Native Freshwater Fish and Large Invertebrates of Tasman District

Common Name

Māori Name

Shortfin eel

Hao or tuna

Longfin eel

Kuwharuwharu or Tuna

Lamprey

Pirahau

Torrentfish

Papamoko

Giant kokopu

Kokopu

Koaro

 

Dwarf galaxias

 

Banded Kokopu

Para

Inanga

 

Short-jaw kokopu

 

Northern flathead galaxias

 

Brown mudfish

 

Giant bully

 

Upland bully

 

Common bully

Pako

Bluegill bully

 

Redfin bully

 

Common smelt

Ngaoire

Yellow-eyed mullet

Aua

Black Flounder

Patiki

Sports Fish in Tasman’s Rivers

Tasman district is known nationally and internationally for its diverse wild brown trout (Salmo trutta) fishery and excellent angling opportunities. The Motueka River catchment has historically received the most use, at more than 13,000 estimated angler visits per year.

A small rainbow trout fishery exists in the Cobb reservoir and upper Cobb River. Chinook Salmon have been introduced over many years into the Buller, Motueka and Golden Bay catchments but most efforts have failed. However they are found in the lower Takaka and Waikoropupu rivers.

Fish and Game NZ manages and monitors these fisheries. It provides fishing licences and checks anglers comply with the regulations.

The Sports Fish and Game Bird Plan for Tasman-Nelson-Marlborough (2007) sets out the objectives and methods for managing these fisheries. Council has a key role in managing the habitat of trout and salmon.

Sportfish of Tasman District

  • Brown Trout
  • Rainbow Trout
  • Chinook Salmon

Publications and Reports

Related information