Last updated October 2026
Southern Reservoir is an almost square water supply reservoir off Reservoir Road, above the Kaikorai Valley and about 10 minutes’ drive from central Dunedin.
Fish & Game Otago stocks it with rainbow trout, and brown trout come in through a pipe from Silverstream. It is mostly deep, with shallows along the western bank and mowed grass right around the edge, which makes it an easy place to bring a family. It is fly and spin only, and it closes to fishing every September apart from Fish & Game’s Take A Kid Fishing events.
Southern Reservoir at a Glance
- Location
- Reservoir Road, off Townleys Road above the Kaikorai Valley, Dunedin
- Type
- Almost square water supply reservoir; mostly deep, with shallows along the western bank; mowed grass all round
- Water
- Reservoir (freshwater lake)
- Main species
- Stocked rainbow trout; brown trout that arrive from Silverstream
- Season
- 1 October to 31 August; closed in September except for Fish & Game events
- Methods
- Fly and spinner only; no bait; no fishing from boats, float tubes or other craft
- Access
- Gate about 150 m along Reservoir Road on the right
- Parking
- Plenty near the gate; keep the gateway clear
- Licence
- Fish & Game sports fishing licence required
- Rules
- Otago Fish & Game sports fishing regulations
No tides: light, wind and the season move the fishing; the reservoir is closed in September.
Setting and Background
Southern Reservoir is part of Dunedin’s water supply, and anglers use it by permission of the Dunedin City Council. It is almost square and mostly deep. Trout can often be seen cruising the shallows along the western bank. The grass around the whole reservoir is mowed regularly, so it suits picnics and walks as well as fishing.
Fish & Game Otago stocks it with rainbow trout from the hatchery at OceanaGold’s Macraes Mine, which over 20 years to 2024 released about 150,000 yearling rainbows into put-and-take waters. The reservoir was restocked before the September 2025 school holidays. Brown trout also find their way in, through a pipe from Silverstream.
Otago Fish & Game holds its Take A Kid Fishing days here, held over two weekends in late September while it is closed to everyone else. Fish & Game says about 5,600 children took part in its Take A Kid Fishing events over the 14 years to 2024.
How to Fish Southern Reservoir
Where to fish
Walk the western bank first and look for trout cruising the shallows: there you can cast to fish you can see. The rest of the reservoir is mostly deep, so spin or fish a sinking fly there. The mowed banks make it easy to walk round and try different spots.
What to use
- Rainbow trout: brightly coloured Tasmanian Devils on the spinning rod. In deep water let the lure sink for a while and vary the speed of the retrieve.
- Brown trout: small black and gold Hexagon or Zed spinners.
- Fly: the general Dunedin stillwater patterns apply, such as small nymphs in sizes 12 to 16 and a small Adams dry fly.
- Scented lures: allowed when fished actively to imitate a baitfish.
Getting There and Facilities
- Road: drive south along Kaikorai Valley Road to the end of the road island, turn right up Townleys Road and follow it uphill to a T intersection. Turn left onto Reservoir Road. The gate is about 150 m along on the right.
- Parking: plenty of space near the entrance. Keep the gateway clear.
- Banks: regularly mowed grass all the way around, with room for a picnic.
- Facilities: bring what you need, including a bag for your rubbish.
Rules and Safety
- You need a Fish & Game sports fishing licence. A family whole-season licence covers the people named on it.
- Under the current Otago regulations the reservoir is open from 1 October to 31 August. It is closed to all sports fishing in September, except for Fish & Game controlled events.
- Fly and spin only. Bait is not permitted, for public health reasons, because this is a water supply reservoir.
- No fishing from any boat, canoe, float tube or other flotation device. A daily bag limit applies: check the current Otago regulations.
- Stay out of the water and take your rubbish home. Access depends on the Dunedin City Council’s permission.
- Most of the reservoir is deep. Keep young children close on the bank.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Dunedin (Allan Millars), 141 Crawford Street, central Dunedin: spinners, flies and fishing gear. Licences are also sold online by Fish & Game.
Where to Learn More
Fish & Game: Dunedin fishing spots: directions and tips for Southern Reservoir and the other city waters.
Otago sports fishing regulations: the season, methods and bag limits, including the September closure.
Fish & Game Otago Reel Life: news on restocking and the Take A Kid Fishing days.
Common Questions
Where is Southern Reservoir?
On Reservoir Road above the Kaikorai Valley, reached from Kaikorai Valley Road and Townleys Road. The gate is about 150 m along on the right.
What fish are in Southern Reservoir?
Stocked rainbow trout, plus brown trout that come in through a pipe from Silverstream.
When is Southern Reservoir closed?
Every September, apart from Fish & Game controlled events such as Take A Kid Fishing. It is open from 1 October to 31 August.
Can I use bait?
No. It is a water supply reservoir, so only fly and spin fishing are allowed.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game sports fishing licence. A family whole-season licence covers the people named on it.
Is it good for families?
Yes. The banks are mowed all the way round and there is plenty of parking. Keep young children close, as most of the water is deep.
What is Take A Kid Fishing?
Otago Fish & Game’s fishing days for children, held at Southern Reservoir over two weekends in late September. They book out, so watch Fish & Game’s news.
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