The Ōpihi joins the Pacific a few kilometres south of Temuka, and it is one of South Canterbury's two famous fishing rivers, along with the larger Rangitata to the north. Quinnat (chinook) salmon run upstream from November to April; brown trout fishing is good year-round. Several braided gravel-bed sections are accessible to anglers; the river mouth at Waipopo is a popular launching spot for surf-fishing.
Beyond fishing, the river is good for picnicking, swimming in summer, and walking along the gravel bars. Guides operating from Temuka can take inexperienced anglers out for half-day or full-day trips. The Department of Conservation manages access; a Fish & Game licence is required for trout and salmon.