On the Water with Sushi Randy: Catching Salmon & Making Fresh Sashimi in Queenstown, New Zealand
In January, I had the opportunity to travel to Queenstown, New Zealand, one of the most beautiful outdoor destinations in the world. Between the towering mountains, pristine lakes, and endless adventure opportunities, it’s a dream location for anyone who loves the outdoors.
And of course… when Sushi Randy travels, fishing is always on the agenda.
During my trip, I booked a fishing charter with Catch A Fish, a local guide service specializing in fishing trips on Lake Wakatipu. This massive alpine lake is famous for its crystal-clear water and incredible scenery, but it’s also home to rainbow trout and landlocked Chinook (King) salmon — two species prized by anglers and seafood lovers alike.
For someone who owns a sushi restaurant, the opportunity to catch these fish in one of the most pristine environments in the world was something I couldn’t pass up.
Fishing Lake Wakatipu in Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand, stretching over 50 miles through dramatic alpine landscapes. The lake is incredibly deep and cold, creating an ideal environment for trout and salmon.
The team at Catch A Fish knows these waters extremely well. Within a short time on the lake, we started hooking into fish, including beautiful Rainbow Trout and a stunning Chinook salmon.
For anglers, it’s an amazing experience. For a sushi chef… it’s even better.
Because what came next was something truly special.
Fresh Salmon Sashimi — Right on the Boat
After landing a beautiful Chinook salmon, the guide quickly prepared the fish for us. Within minutes, we had clean slices of fresh salmon sashimi.
No shipping.
No storage.
No middleman.
Just fish → knife → sashimi.
The flavor was incredible — rich, buttery, and incredibly clean. When fish is that fresh and handled properly, you taste the difference immediately.
For someone who spends his life working with seafood at Sushi Confidential, this was one of the purest seafood experiences imaginable.
Is Landlocked Salmon Safer to Eat Raw?
As a sushi chef, one of the most common questions I get is about parasites in salmon, especially when eating it raw as sashimi.
Wild ocean salmon can sometimes carry parasites such as Anisakis, which is why fish served raw in restaurants is typically frozen to specific temperatures to eliminate parasite risks.
However, salmon living in landlocked freshwater environments like Lake Wakatipu have a very different ecosystem and life cycle.
Why parasite risk can be lower
- No marine parasite cycle
Many parasites that affect salmon require a lifecycle involving ocean ecosystems and marine mammals. Landlocked salmon living entirely in freshwater lakes are often removed from that cycle. - Clean alpine freshwater systems
New Zealand lakes like Wakatipu are known for their extremely clean, cold, oxygen-rich water, which helps support healthy fish populations. - Immediate consumption
In our case, the fish went directly from the water to the knife and onto the plate within minutes.
While no raw fish is ever completely risk-free, fresh landlocked salmon in pristine freshwater systems can carry significantly lower parasite risk compared to ocean-caught salmon.
Of course, at Sushi Confidential, we always follow strict food safety standards and freezing protocols when serving raw fish to our guests.
From the Ocean to the Sushi Bar
Before opening Sushi Confidential, I spent years fishing along the California coast. Fishing has always been a big part of my life and my connection to seafood.
Experiences like this trip to Queenstown remind me why I love what I do.
When you catch a fish yourself and prepare it moments later, you gain a deeper appreciation for:
- The quality of the fish
- The environment it comes from
- And the craftsmanship required to prepare it properly
Great sushi doesn’t start in the kitchen. It starts in the water.
Planning a Fishing Trip in Queenstown
If you’re ever traveling to Queenstown, I highly recommend booking a trip with Catch A Fish.
Their experienced guides know Lake Wakatipu extremely well and can help anglers of all experience levels catch trout and salmon while enjoying some of the most breathtaking scenery in New Zealand.
Whether you’re a serious fisherman or just someone who appreciates incredible seafood, fishing on Lake Wakatipu is an unforgettable experience.
Follow the Series: On the Water with Sushi Randy
This trip is just one episode in my “On the Water with Sushi Randy” series, where I explore fishing adventures around the world and connect those experiences back to the seafood we serve at Sushi Confidential.
From deep sea fishing to freshwater trout streams, every trip reminds me why great sushi begins with respect for the fish and the waters they come from.
Stay tuned for more fishing adventures — and the stories behind the seafood.