Police want to hear from anyone who may have seen a man in his late 70s on the day he went missing at the Waitaki River.

A river search began for the man, who was reported missing to police about 7pm last Monday (April 22), after he failed to return from an afternoon fishing.

Otago Rescue Helicopter, Aoraki Police Search and Rescue, North Otago LandSAR, and South Canterbury Coastguard staff all helped in the search effort throughout last week, but it was suspended on Friday, pending more information.

Police investigating the man's disappearance are keen to hear from anyone who may have seen him between noon and dusk the day he went missing, a police media statement said.

The man’s Isuzu four-wheel-drive and boat trailer were found at the boat ramp off Te Maiharoa Road, near Glenavy, and his boat was found anchored at the river mouth at about 11pm that night.

Police are trying to establish the man’s movements. His Fireball boat has yellow sides, a white hull, and a chrome anchor cradle, and any sightings of him on or around the river between midday and 7pm.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police via 105, by phone or online at 105.police.govt.nz; please click “Update my report” and reference the case number 240427/9404.