The angling activity survey of the Clutha River below Roxburgh Dam found that about 14,500 brown trout, rainbow trout, perch and salmon were caught in the 2023-24 season.
Otago Fish & Game officer Jayde Couper said the lower river has always been a rich source of wild-caught food for local communities.
"This survey highlights the importance of maintaining and protecting the environments where these activities take place," Mr Couper said.
Despite only making up 14% of the catch, perch accounted for almost a quarter of the fish kept for eating.
"Perch, with their delicious white fillets, are under-rated by some anglers."
Brown trout were the most caught fish, at more than 60%, and rainbows made up a further 25%.
The survey was funded by Contact Energy as part of its consent requirements to monitor and improve sport fish habitat in the river and tributaries.
The survey involved almost 6000 interviews with licensed anglers from Otago and Southland.
"By far the most popular and productive fishing section of the lower river was below Balclutha.
"People fish this section not only because of the quality of fishing and access but also because they like fishing close to home," Mr Couper said.
"This survey adds to a growing body of evidence that anglers highly value nearby fisheries, which is why we need to actively manage and protect them."
Contact’s head of generation Boyd Brinsdon said the company appreciated the dedication of Otago Fish & Game for conducting the year-long survey and the insights the report provides for understanding sports fisheries in the Lower Clutha River.
— APL
