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Story: Freshwater fishing

Chinook salmon

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Chinook salmon

Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), also known as quinnat salmon, were introduced in the early 1900s. Ova from the McLoud River in California were released into the Hakataramea River, a tributary of the Waitaki River in North Otago. From there they became established in other eastern South Island rivers – notably the Rangitātā, Rakaia and Waimakariri.

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Department of Conservation

Reference: 10046741

by R. T. Hutchinson

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How to cite this page

Carl Walrond, Freshwater fishing – An imported tradition, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/18244/chinook-salmon (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Carl Walrond, published 1 March 2009.