The body found at Clifton Beach in Hawke's Bay was 75-year-old Timothy Langford, police have confirmed.
Police say Langford was reported missing after a fishing trip on the Tukituki River on August 10.
Police offer their condolences to Langford's family and friends.
His death has been referred to the coroner.
A member of the public reported the body to the police after seeing it on the beach at Clifton about 8am today.
A rāhui has been placed by local iwi on the Tukituki River and beaches around Haumoana as a result.
Langford was initially fishing with a friend, but the pair later split up. His vehicle was located parked close to the river.