Milford Sound is a beautiful fjord located in the southwest of New Zealand’s South Island. It is one of the countries most popular popular destination for tourists, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and waterfalls. But did you know that Milford Sound is also a great place to go fishing? Grab your rod and reel and lets take a look at some of the best fishing spots in Milford Sound, the types of fish you can catch, and the regulations you need to be aware of.
Where can I fish in Milford Sound?
Before you head out to fish in Milford Sound, it’s important to be aware of the regulations in place. The Piopiotahi (Milford Sound) Marine Reserve is a no-take zone, which means that fishing is not allowed within its boundaries. In addition, there are restrictions on the size and number of certain types of fish that you can catch. Make sure you familiarize yourself with these regulations before you start fishing. Check the DOC website for more information on the reserve.
The water in Milford Sound is known for its dark, inky color, which is caused by the presence of tannins leached from the surrounding forests. The depth of the water in Milford Sound varies depending on the location and the tides, but in general, it is one of the deepest fiords in the world. The deepest part of Milford Sound is known as the Deep Water Basin, which is located near the entrance of the fiord. The depth of the water in the basin can reach up to 265 meters (869 feet). In other parts of the fiord, the depth of the water ranges from around 20 meters (66 feet) to over 100 meters (328 feet)
Types of Fish in Milford Sound
Milford Sound is home to a variety of fish species, including tarakihi, hapuka (also known as grouper), kingfish, tuna, and broadbill. These fish can be caught year-round, although the best time to fish for them is during the summer months (December to February).
Make sure you check the MPI website for the latest information on catch and size limits when fishing Milford Sound.
The average water temperature in Milford Sound during winter is just 12.7°C and only rises to around 15.8°C in summer.
Boat Access
The Milford Sound boat ramp can be accessed via Deepwater Basin Road. This is a left turn off SH94 (Milford Road), just before the airport. The boat ramp at Milford Sound is a concrete dual access ramp with parking available. There are no other facilities available.
If you are planning to drive to Milford Sound towing a boat and trailer, plan your trip carefully. Be mindful of peak traffic times when tour buses and coaches are arriving and leaving as there may be traffic at the Homer Tunnel and other key points along the way.