Federated Farmers says so-called exclusive capture rights are not being sold to commercial fishing guides wanting access to their land.
Fish and Game New Zealand, which manages sports and fishing resources, has accused farmers of such practices, saying land owners are able to block public access to rivers through the Trespass Act.
But Federated Farmers says selling river fishing rights is against the law. Game.
Pest animal managment spokesperson Donald Aubrey says he is unaware of any farmer doing this, but landowners to have the right to charge anyone for access across their land.
Anglers could access any river fishing spots by boat and they need to respect the right of the landowner to grant or refuse access to their land, he says.
