The body of a missing fisherman was found late last night, along the Waikouaiti River.

The man was reported overdue yesterday afternoon, and a search was launched. Police, Land Search and Rescue, Surf Lifesaving, and Fire and Emergency New Zealand were involved, police said in a statement.

At about 11pm, a helicopter located the man's body, upstream of the Orbell's Crossing area, where he is understood to have been dropped off.

The death will be referred to the coroner.