Otago Backcountry Licences

Anglers are required to hold a Backcountry Licence when fishing on the Greenstone, Caples, upper Lochy Rivers, the Dingle Burn, Nevis River, Hunter River, Young River and Wilkin River in Otago.  There is no extra charge for a Backcountry Licence but you do need to register to enable Fish & Game Otago to monitor angler use on these fisheries.  To obtain a backcountry licence anglers should either apply online or contact the Otago Fish & Game Council to have his or her licence endorsed as a backcountry licence.

A Controlled Period applies from 1st February to 31st March each season on the upper Greenstone River, from its source to the Sly Burn confluence. During this period anglers are required to have, in addition to their Backcountry Licence, a ‘Controlled-Period Licence' to fish the upper Greenstone controlled area.

Detailed information on backcountry and controlled period licences for the Otago region can be found here.

Enquiries about Otago Backcountry or Controlled Fishery licences should be directed to s.milne@fish-game.org.nz or (03) 4779076.