Fortrose Estuary Fishing: Sea-Run Trout at the Mataura Mouth

Last updated October 2026

The Fortrose Estuary, also called the Toetoes Estuary, is where the Mataura River and the Titiroa Stream meet the sea at Toetoes Bay, on the Southern Scenic Route east of Invercargill.

Fish & Game says it is known for large sea-run and estuarine brown trout, and the tidal water below Mataura Island Bridge is open all year. The small settlement of Fortrose sits on the eastern shore, with a road along the estuary edge toward the mouth.

At a Glance

Location

Fortrose, on Toetoes Bay at the mouth of the Mataura River, off State Highway 92

Type

Tidal estuary of about 500 hectares, mostly mudflats and channels at low tide

Water

Freshwater for sports fish (Fish & Game Southland)

Main species

Large sea-run and estuarine brown trout

Season

Mataura Island Bridge to the sea: all year, except 1 and 2 May 2027

Methods

Fly, spin and bait; spin and bait suit the tidal water best

Getting there

State Highway 92 to Fortrose, then Boat Harbour Road along the estuary edge

Licence

Fish & Game licence required for trout

Rules

Fish & Game Southland Sports Fishing Regulations; MPI Southland for sea fish and shellfish

About Fortrose Estuary

The estuary covers about 500 hectares, most of it mudflats, and is fed by the Mataura River and the Titiroa Stream. It opens to Toetoes Bay through a mouth between a long, dune-covered sand spit on the western side and low cliffs on the eastern side. At low tide the water inside drains into channels across wide flats.

Fortrose is a small settlement on the eastern shore, just off State Highway 92. Boat Harbour Road runs south from Neva Street along the edge of the estuary toward the mouth and the Tokanui Golf Club.

The Mataura is one of Southland’s best-known trout rivers, and the fish do not stop at the tide. Fish & Game singles out the Fortrose estuary for large sea-run and estuarine brown trout. Near the sea the river is tidal and better suited to spin and bait than to fly.

LAWA lists the estuary as popular for fishing, cockling, duck shooting, boating and birdwatching, so expect to share it, especially in the game-bird season.

How to Fish the Fortrose Estuary

Where and when

Boat Harbour Road gives the easiest shore access, along the eastern edge of the estuary between the settlement and the mouth.

At low tide the fish are in the channels, so fish the channel edges and the water around the mouth as the tide moves. The lower Mataura is open all year, so sea-run trout can be targeted whenever they are in.

What to catch and what to use

• Sea-run and estuarine brown trout: near the sea the river suits spin and bait more than fly, though fly is allowed. The trout here can be large, so check your knots and leader.
• Sea fish: ask locally what else is being caught in the estuary and along the bay. Sea fish fall under MPI’s Southland rules.

For the river upstream, from Mataura Island to Gore and above, see our Mataura River fishing guide.

Getting There and Facilities

• Road: Fortrose is on State Highway 92, the Southern Scenic Route, east of Invercargill. The Fortrose to Otara Road continues east along the coast from the settlement.
• Shore access: Boat Harbour Road runs from Neva Street in Fortrose along the estuary edge toward the mouth.
• Not the same as Waituna: Waituna Lagoon is a separate water further west, reached by its own road off the highway.
• Supplies: buy tackle, bait and your licence in Invercargill before you head out.
• More about the area: for the beach, walks and the coast, see our Toetoes Bay guide.

Rules and Safety

• You need a Fish & Game licence for trout. Estuaries, and the sea within 500 m of a river mouth, count as freshwater for sports fish under the Fish & Game regulations.
• Current seasons: the Mataura from Mataura Island Bridge to the sea is open all year except 1 and 2 May 2027. The Titiroa Stream downstream of The Locks is open all year.
• Sea fish and cockles fall under MPI’s Southland rules. The Ōtara Mātaitai Reserve, where commercial fishing is banned, is further east along the coast, from near the Tokanui River mouth to Waipapa Point. It does not cover the estuary.
• Keep off the open mudflats. The mud is soft, and the tide fills the channels behind you as it comes in.
• Water quality in the lower Mataura is poorer than upstream. Check Environment Southland and LAWA before gathering shellfish, and avoid gathering after heavy rain.
• The whole estuary drains through the one mouth. Take care near it and do not wade into the channel.

Tackle and Bait Nearby

• Hunting & Fishing Invercargill: fishing tackle and outdoor gear in the city, on the way out.

Stock up in Invercargill before you head out, and ask in store what is being caught.

Helpful Resources

Common Questions

What can you catch in the Fortrose Estuary?
Fish & Game says the estuary is known for large sea-run and estuarine brown trout. Ask locally about sea fish.

Is the Fortrose Estuary open all year?
Yes, for trout below Mataura Island Bridge, except 1 and 2 May 2027 under the current regulations.

Do I need a licence to fish at Fortrose?
Yes, for trout. The estuary counts as freshwater for sports fish, so you need a Fish & Game licence.

What is the best method in the estuary?
Near the sea the Mataura is tidal and suits spin and bait better than fly, though fly is allowed.

How do I get to the Fortrose Estuary?
Take State Highway 92 east from Invercargill to Fortrose, then Boat Harbour Road along the estuary edge toward the mouth.

Is the Fortrose Estuary in a mātaitai?
No. The Ōtara Mātaitai Reserve is further east, between the Tokanui River mouth area and Waipapa Point.

Is Toetoes the same place as Fortrose?
Yes. The estuary at Fortrose is also called the Toetoes Estuary, and it opens onto Toetoes Bay.

Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.