Orowaiti River Nile (Waitakere) River Access from S/H 67 bridge. Small tidal river with mudflats, Accessible from S/H 6 bridge downstream 1 km to mouth, Kohaihai River best fished on incoming tide. and upstream via river bed to Awakari confluence and Access from road end at the beginning of Heaphy track. above. Fly and spinning both successful. Nymph or dry fly Trout not abundant and confined to the tidal lagoon and a Okari River work well further up, particularly large cicada imitations few hundred metres above swing bridge. Spinning, fly and Small river with moderate population of browns in tidal during mid-late summer. bait possible. zone. Best accessible by boat. Ohikanui River Karamea/Mokihinui area Buller River Scenic bouldery bush clad Buller tributary accessible from Access: Lower reaches of the Karamea River up to the The Buller enters the sea at Westport after its long journey S/H 6. Suitable both spinning and fly fishing in lower gorge may be accessed via farm land on either side of river from the Nelson Lakes. reaches, dry or nymph from about 1 hour’s walk upstream. but please leave gates as you find them. North River mouth Recommended that at least a full day be set aside to fish Upstream of Lyell the river lies within the Nelson / access available via Karamea Holiday Park or South from this river. Flagstaff Rd. Mid river reaches accessible from the Karamea Marlborough Fish and Game Region. Good numbers of gorge walking route. medium sized brown trout are plentiful in the early to mid part of the season and sea-runners inhabit lower reaches Fox, Pororari and Punakaiki River Little Wanganui River offers good fishing from the before migrating up river later. Access from S/H 6 bridges. Neither hold high trout Wangapeka valley or Blue duck. (Sth bank) numbers but very scenic above the bridge in limestone Access: True Right (Westport town side): Easy access is gorges. Fishable with fly and spinning gear. Please ask landowners permission for access. Mouth available from the picnic area at the bridge and above to accessible from Little Wanganui Hotel (Nth. bank) or via the domain area. Good access is also possible from Reedy’s the subdivision Rd. Upper catchments of these rivers are Road which is the only turnoff at the end of Victoria Rd. truly wild and scenic and difficult to reach. (Call at Karamea Alternatively, turn left off Victoria Road to Te Kuha. information centre for more on this area) True Left: The Buller River is easily accessible for many Methods: Larger holes and runs in mid - lower sections of kilometres off the adjacent SH 6. these rivers are more suited to spin fishing although during normal flows great opportunities for spotting feeding fish, Methods: Bait and spin fishing are the preferred methods particularly early morning /evening. Mid – late summer in the larger holes and runs, but fly fishing can also be ‘blind’ dry fly fishing can also be rewarding. productive especially at evening when trout often feed near the surface on hatching nymphs. Side braids, shallow runs and the edges may be fished with a heavier nymph such Waimangaroa and Wharatea Rivers as Hares Ear or a large stonefly imitation. The Buller near Both accessible from S/H 67 downstream to tidal zone Westport is popular, with good sea run trout regularly taken which provides the best opportunity for spin fishers. during the spring as they enter the river during whitebait season. Spin fishers do best with a bully or smelt imitation, Deadmans creek although standard patterns such as the silver slice and toby Access via Utopia Rd. A moderate sized creek fishable in can also be effective. Large wet (streamer type) flies such as the tidal zone and a few hundred metres above the road Parson’s Glory, Hopes Silvery, Dorothy and Grey Ghost can bridge. Spinning and lure fishing to trout around half a kilo. be effective in the right conditions, especially at night.
Ngakawau River Big Totara River Is crossed by S/H 67 bridge just upstream of mouth. Access from s/h 6 bridge or the lower reaches by road Fishable from here upstream to entrance of gorge. Best North of Mitchells gold mine. Not a lot of fish but very during whitebait season, mainly spinning. scenic. Fly fishing best above the bridge, spinning below.
Upper Ahaura and Haupiri Rivers Rough River near the edges. A large dry fly in any popular pattern will often produce a fish from the deeper runs. The Haupiri and Ahaura Rivers both carry populations of The Rough also enters the Grey River near Ikamatua and medium to large trout, although numbers are typically provides challenging fishing for predominantly large brown fewer in the upper reaches. The best fishing in the Ahaura trout. Waitahu River River is from the Nancy River confluence downstream. In This is the largest of the Inangahua River tributaries Access: The lower reaches are accessed from the Atarau the Haupiri River fish density is highest in the first few approximately 4.5km north of Reefton. The Waitahu Road Bridge and the upper reaches via Mirfins Road on the kilometres downstream of the lake outlet. provides opportunities for spotting and stalking trout in a true left. Access to the river may also be gained via the old particularly scenic setting. Access: Turn off the Greymouth - Reefton highway at sawmill. Ngahere, travel through Nelson Creek and on to Kopara Access: The main access is along Gannons Road off S/H Methods: Water is usually very clear and best suited to dry (sign-posted). The Haupiri River is crossed 1km past Lake 69. A 4WD is advisable beyond the bridge at the end fly and nymph techniques for fish that become more wary Haupiri. Further on this road leads to the upper Ahaura and of the tar seal and the track maintains good contact as the season progresses. tributaries such as the Trent and Waiheke. with the true right bank enabling easy access upstream for 9-10 kms. For the more active a walk further up to Travellers on this route also have the opportunity to fish the Inangahua River Haupiri River. To gain access to the upper reaches of both the Montgomerie is recommended. The Waitahu holds The Inangahua River flows through forest and farmland rivers landowners must be contacted in advance. Upper good sized fish throughout, while the Montgomerie is a to the Buller River near the Inangahua settlement. It is a Haupiri River, Gloria Vale Christian Community Ph 03 738 mid-sized tributary offering excellent headwater angling medium to large river, generally clear with a slight brown 0224. prospects. tinge during freshes. The Inangahua contains a very good Methods: Some spin fishing is possible in the larger pools Upper Ahaura, Mr Bill Perry Ph 03 738 0221Access to the population of trout, mainly small to medium sized but Upper Ahaura is rough and best suited to the fit angler. following freshes but high water clarity during summer many larger fish in late season. means it is more suited to the fly fisher. Heavy nymph in Methods: These waters are influenced by heavy floods Access: Angling is most popular in the middle reaches, deeper runs most effective, but don’t overlook the fish in and fish numbers vary, however the mid - Haupiri normally both above and below Reefton. Above Reefton, SH7 seemingly impossibly deep holes. They can sometimes be supports good trout numbers and the upper Ahaura follows close to the true right of the river and there are tempted to rise. consistently produces good sized fish. many locations where easy access off the side of the road is available. Although there are medium sized fish Larrys (Awarau) River Mawheraiti River (Little Grey River) in the upper section they are usually outnumbered by Another tributary of the Inangahua located approximately This is a Grey tributary joining at Ikamatua (between smaller trout. Access downstream of Reefton is more 15km north of Reefton along SH69. The Awarua supports Greymouth and Reefton). The Mawheraiti is a smallish tea difficult, although landowners are helpful if asked and good numbers of medium to large trout and some of coloured stream usually holding good numbers of medium ‘Anglers Access’ signs are located in places where access ‘trophy’ size. sized trout. has been negotiated. Brazils, O’Grady, Golf links and the Access: Turn right off SH69 onto a forestry road. If you Access: Available from the Atarau road Bridge or where SH Perseverance Road provide easy access roads directly to prefer to fish upstream drive to picnic area at the road 7 crosses the Mawheraiti River. Where the river does not the River. The Landing Bridge is another and following end. Continue by foot along a track that eventually leads run alongside the road, permission must be obtained from the Larry or Waitahu rivers down to the confluence also back to the river. For downstream fishers access is available adjacent landowners. provides quick access. directly in front of the picnic area or from the SH69 Bridge. Methods: Nymph and dry fly both work well here. Spinning Methods: All methods work well, with spinning the most Methods: is effective during freshes, particularly in lower reaches. popular when the river is high. The mid-section around the Stony confluence is most suited to a heavy nymph fished As for the Waitahu River, fishing is good all season but as the season progresses so does the required skill level.
Murray and Harris Creeks Lake MahinapuaTurn off SH 6 at Mahinapua Hotel 12km Smaller spring fed streams accessible from Kokatahi/ south of Hokitika. Perch up to1kg abound in the lake and Kowhitirangi Rd. Permission from adjacent landowners outlet creek, providing excellent angling for kids. Brown trout Hokitika River essential. Brown trout between 1-3kg are typical. This is a are present but are seldom caught before hooking a perch. Easy access is available in the lower reaches which usually popular fishery close to a population centre so catch and Access: Boat launching available at Shanghai Bay. Foot hold 1-2kg browns and sea-runners in early season. release is requested. access is limited to the foreshore at the bay or part way Some sea-run salmon arrive between January and April. around the Lake Mahinapua walkway. The middle reaches are accessible off Kokatahi Road Mahinapua Creek Methods: A boat is necessary to fish the lake successfully. which leads through Kowhitirangi to the Hokitika Gorge. Enters the Hokitika near the mouth on south side. Soft bait jigging or bright spinners work best for perch. Rainbows are present in the upper reaches and in the The best access is via Golf Links Road. Turn hard right Fishing from the shore is limited to the jetty and a small Whitcombe tributary, 1-2 hour’s walk from the road end. over Mahinapua Creek Bridge and follow dirt road to beach behind the Girl Guides Hall. The weedy margins Accessible mid section tributaries include Kokatahi, Styx confluence. Good early season tidal water for sea-run make shore angling difficult but good fishing on deep side Windbag Stream and Toaroha River. browns, especially when main river is in flood. Large perch of weed beds. Flows close to S/H for several kilometres before entering inhabit the creek above tidal reach. Lake Paringa. Nice water but can be difficult to wade in parts due to deep holes and fallen trees.
Lake Moeraki La Fontaine Manakaiaua River As with Paringa a boat is useful, but lake-edge fishing is A delightful spring fed tributary of the Wanganui River. Lower reaches accessible via Hunts Beach Rd. Typical tidal available at various points adjacent to S/H 6 and, in low Access is available at various points off La Fontaine Road habitat for brown trout with sea runners available early South Westland Rivers conditions, around the Northern margin. Good fishing for (turn off at Harihari). The upper section is accessible off season. cruising browns with wet (bully) imitation most successful. Part of the appeal of South Westland is its ‘wildness’, Petersons Rd. If in doubt about access ask at nearest which while providing for scenic values, often makes farmhouse. An abundance of brown trout around 1 to 3 kg Mahitahi River access to good fishing challenging. The following Moeraki River but for inexperienced anglers can be challenging. Good access up and downstream from S/H 6 bridge, information barely scratches the surface of what is Nice water for a kilometre or two above lake confluence and mouth within easy walking distance from Bruce Bay available. However, for visitors it is a quick guide to however mid-reaches, although accessible at various points, Waitangi-Taona settlement. some of the more accessible waters. Anglers intending are quite unstable and often hold few fish. Upper reaches to fish back country rivers are recommended to get A medium sized river, which flows crystal clear in normal accessible via Haast / Paringa cattle track starting near information on impending weather conditions from conditions. Good trout numbers in the lower section Paringa River Moeraki bluffs. DoC offices at Haast, Franz and Fox Glacier. which is easily accessible from the Lower Whataroa Flat A few good holes within reasonable distance downstream Rd. Turn off at Whataroa and follow signs to ‘White Heron of S/H 6 but jet boat recommended for lower reaches and Haast River Sanctuary Tours’ boat launching ramp. Approximately 4 river mouth. Upper river above Otoko confluence offers Flows adjacent to S/H 6 for much of its length. During Mikonui River to 5km of good water are available above and below this clear water stalking opportunities. normal flows stable side braids and backwaters in the mid The lower reaches are best for the casual angler. Easy point. – headwater reaches often hold good fish and the tidal access can be gained to the tidal portion of Mikonui from Lake Paringa portion provides interesting early season opportunities for SH6 Bridge. Upper reaches are accessible by taking first Okarito River Adjacent to SH6 south of Fox Glacier. Paringa is well sea run browns. In a good salmon year both the Haast and right turn Nth. of Ross. This road also gives access to Totara Contains a resident brown trout population and sea-run stocked with 1 to 2 kg brown trout. The lake resident Landsborough Rivers provide viable opportunities. River gorge. salmon from December to April. Access is difficult due salmon population is smaller than in Mapourika, but to the forest terrain and steep river gradient but try near sea-run salmon appear from January on. Okuru, Turnbull and Hapuka Rivers Waitaha River the source (Lake Mapourika outlet) and near Zalas Creek Access: Boat ramp at Jamie Creek camping area. Foot All exit to the sea usually through a common mouth near The section of river from the bridge down 2-3 km to the (Power house) confluence, 15mins drive from Franz Josef. access is limited to the area around from the mouth of Okuru settlement off the Jackson Bay Rd. The estuary mouth is best. Turn west at the north end of bridge on S/H Jamie Creek. and tidal reaches support good numbers of trout up until 6. Good sized trout may be expected, also salmon from Okarito Lagoon December, and the lower – mid reaches of both Turnbull and January – April. Methods: The shallow margins suit wet fly fishing (#6-8 Is only accessible by boat but offers excellent trolling and Mrs Simpson or similar) or light lures for spinning. Small Okuru provide good fishing later. Both are accessible from margin fishing. The lake offers good estuarine habitat for bullies are the primary food source although trout will take public roads but upper reaches are definitely walking country. Lake Ianthe brown trout and chinook salmon. Flounders and mullet an unweighted nymph and often rise freely to a large dry Lake Ianthe is south of Ross on SH 6 near Pukekura and are also plentiful. Navigating the lagoon channels can be fly. Salmon are taken mostly off the mouth of the Windbag Waiatoto / Arawhata is an excellent brown trout fishery. This lake produces difficult, seek local advice. Stream. Lead line is generally used to reach sea-run fish Both big rivers requiring a minor expedition to access upper beautifully marked fish up to 2.5 kg. down deep. For salmon white or silver lures reaches. Arawhata tidal reaches accessible from Neils Beach Access: A boat ramp is available off SH6 at southern end of Lake Mapourika are recommended or black/green and gold off Jackson Bay Rd, or to reach lower Waiatoto section turn the lake. A forested margin generally prevents foot access. Mapourika is fringed by SH 6, 10km north of Franz Josef, when the water is discoloured. hard right off southern end of Main Rd. bridge. Methods: Prolific weed beds make deep trolling difficult and is a productive brown trout and quinnat salmon fishery. near the edges, but harling with a feathered lure is a popular Lake resident salmon (1-3kg) are available October to Jackson River method. The deeper water is suitable for trolling a spinning March, sea run salmon can be expected from January to An Arawhata tributary easily accessible in many places off lure with light nylon. Fly casting to cruising fish under the the end of March. the Haast Cascade Rd. Turn left off Sth. end of Arawhata bush fringed margin is a good method in suitable conditions. Access: A boat ramp is located at Jetty Bay. Foot access is Bridge. Fish numbers vary but most likely looking reaches are Watch for subtle rises near the weed beds and fish an limited to McDonalds Creek mouth and off SH 6 at various worth a look, particularly if the Arawhata is running high. unweighted nymph, otherwise bully imitation fished wet. obvious points. Please note that McDonalds creek is closed to angling year-round. Lake Ellery Wanganui River Methods: In calm conditions (generally early morning and The only practical access is by boat up the lake outlet creek The lower reaches are best with access via Wanganui Flat evening) large brown trout are easily spotted cruising lake from Arawhata / Cascade road. Very scenic lake populated Road. (turn off at Harihari) Brown trout are common in margins. Spinning for cruising browns can be successful by small / medium sized browns. Methods as for Paringa early season and some salmon appear from January. To but wet fly fishing is best. Deep water trolling is most and Moeraki. access upper river take road to quarry off North end of S/H productive for salmon along the western fringe south of 6 bridge. the lake near the outlet, off the entrance to Jetty Bay where Cascade catchment the main boat ramp is located, or off the roadside edge The road stops at Martyr homestead where permission Poerua River. from Jetty Bay to the mouth of Redjacks Creek. Popular should be sought to access downstream reaches. The lower The best water is downstream of SH 6. Peterson Road sites are off the mouth of McDonalds Creek and by boat, river supports large numbers of trout in the early part of (turn off at Harihari) follows the lower river giving access to in areas referred to above. Because most fish are hooked the season, fish that are widely distributed throughout the tidal water, a short walk from road end. River mouth often close to the bottom, a slow retrieve is recommended. Refer catchment by late summer. A boat is essential for the lower provides good fishing for sea-run browns, and in some to regulations for season details. river, while much legwork and difficult river crossings can be years, salmon. expected in the rest of the catchment.
favoured but allmethodsare successful. the prolific evening hatchesofOct/Novand March/April. Flyfishingis ispopular withflyanglersespeciallyduring Methods: TheArnold • • • • • • • • ValleyArnold Rd.betweenStillwaterandMoana. Access: Watch closelyforsignsatmarkedaccesspoints alongthe sized brown trout andisusuallyfishableinallbutextreme flows. from Greymouth atStillwater. Itholdsahighpopulationofmedium exitsLakeBrunnerbeforeThe Arnold joiningtheGrey River15kms Arnold River and Kumaraisidealforquickstops. Salmon from JanuarytoApril.Thestretch ofriverbetweenJacksons resident throughout, somerainbowsare present inuppersection. Good accessformostofitslengthoff SH73.Brown trout are Taramakau it isanexcellentplaceforfamilies. fish. Rainbows,SalmonandBrowns are present inhighnumbersand impoundments inwhichFish&Gameregularly release takeablesize from theNorthBankofArahuraRiver. Thisisahydro canalwith Turn off SHWY73ontoTheOldChristchurch RdatTuriwhate or Kawhaka EnhancedFishery fishing. hatches. Careful spinningwithlightgearisrecommended asisdryfly Trout typically½kgto1kgbutnumerous. Goodsummerevening lake. Wading possiblearound shallowmarginsbutdinghyisbest. along Goldsboroughlefttogetupper Roadandtakefirstturn Turn off SHWY73atDillmanstowntoreach lowerlake.Continue Kapitea/Kumara Reservoir conditions.
topographical maps and a willingness to explore new places. For For places. new explore to willingness a and maps topographical
and productive trout fisheries. tributaries containsomeoftheregion’s mostaccessible an anglingreputation. ThelowerGrey Riverand destination butthearea surrounding itisalsobuilding Lake Brunneristheregion’s most popularangling shallow weed beds can bring success, especially in low light light low in especially success, bring can beds weed shallow
Moana Footbridgeattheoutlet of LakeBrunner. Creek. Kotoku; Turn off the road followingthetrueright ofMolloy RiverBridgenearAratika.FisheitherupordownstreamArnold 03 7380038 Aratika, signpostedonthegate. ContactR.L.orD.M.Milneon Dam. Below theArnold Upstream Creek ofArnold (signposted). Rd. Two accesslocationsare markedalongthisroad. Valley RiverandArnold RoadbetweentheArnold Old Arnold up anddownstream. Kokiri Bridgeadjacenttothefreezing works.Accessisavailable Coast West of range the acquire to recommended are visitors
is commonly used. Harling a large streamer type lure over over lure type streamer large a Harling used. commonly is
Accordingly, to get the most out of a fishing trip to the ‘Coast ‘Coast the to trip fishing a of out most the get to Accordingly,
choice. For trout a toby type lure in black or green and gold gold and green or black in lure type toby a trout For choice.
very attributes that make them special - a lack of other anglers. other of lack a - special them make that attributes very large zed-spinners in silver, yellow or white are a popular popular a are white or yellow silver, in zed-spinners large
because to over promote such places would be to threaten the the threaten to be would places such promote over to because down rigger or 4-6 colours of leadline is useful. For salmon salmon For useful. is leadline of colours 4-6 or rigger down
directing anglers to many of the more sensitive fisheries. This is is This fisheries. sensitive more the of many to anglers directing trout and salmon when surface temperatures are warm. A A warm. are temperatures surface when salmon and trout
management perspective Fish & Game deliberately avoids avoids deliberately Game & Fish perspective management Westland lakes deeper trolling is recommended for both both for recommended is trolling deeper lakes Westland
for visitors to create their own special experience. From a a From experience. special own their create to visitors for A popular method for trout and salmon in lakes. In South South In lakes. in salmon and trout for method popular A
angling perspective a feature of the Region is the opportunity opportunity the is Region the of feature a perspective angling
Boat fishing Boat
or accessible waters. It is presented on the basis that from an an from that basis the on presented is It waters. accessible or
The information in this pamphlet is limited to more popular popular more to limited is pamphlet this in information The
and presentation are the keys to success. to keys the are presentation and
coachman or Blue Dun for smaller water. As always fly size size fly always As water. smaller for Dun Blue or coachman
similar good floater for big water, Adams, Khaki Queen, Queen, Khaki Adams, water, big for floater good similar
Commonly used dry flies include Deer Hair, Mole Fly or a a or Fly Mole Hair, Deer include flies dry used Commonly
dark try Red Shadow, Black Hairy Dog or Dark Hopes Silvery. Silvery. Hopes Dark or Dog Hairy Black Shadow, Red try dark
include Parsons Glory, Grey Ghost and Yellow Dorothy. After After Dorothy. Yellow and Ghost Grey Glory, Parsons include
is required. Good streamer patterns for estuary fishing fishing estuary for patterns streamer Good required. is
streams and side braids where a more delicate presentation presentation delicate more a where braids side and streams
pools and riffles, while size 12-16 is necessary for spring fed fed spring for necessary is 12-16 size while riffles, and pools
similar bead head patterns are useful for deeper headwater headwater deeper for useful are patterns head bead similar
depending on the water. Heavy hare and copper, stonefly or or stonefly copper, and hare Heavy water. the on depending
A range of nymph sizes and weights is recommended recommended is weights and sizes nymph of range A
Fly fishing Fly
are often very effective in tidal areas. areas. tidal in effective very often are
Bait fishing is permitted in all waters. Smelt and large bullies bullies large and Smelt waters. all in permitted is fishing Bait
Bait fishing Bait
river mouths. mouths. river
and gold, black and gold, black, and white or silver near near silver or white and black, gold, and black gold, and
clear water and during low flows. Popular colours are green green are colours Popular flows. low during and water clear
marked access please ask at the nearest farm house. farm nearest the at ask please access marked
targeting Salmon in lakes. in Salmon targeting
small (7g) lures where circumstances permit, especially in in especially permit, circumstances where lures (7g) small
case of waterways with private land adjoining, where there is no no is there where adjoining, land private with waterways of case
Lead line or downriggers improve success rates when when rates success improve downriggers or line Lead 10.
Spin anglers are advised to use light line (3kg max.) and and max.) (3kg line light use to advised are anglers Spin
for the most part, dictated only by climate and terrain. In the the In terrain. and climate by only dictated part, most the for
often travel in shoals. in travel often Spinning
the Region in public ownership barriers to access for anglers are, are, anglers for access to barriers ownership public in Region the
Re-fish areas where trout have been hooked as lake fish fish lake as hooked been have trout where areas Re-fish 9.
spring fed river tributaries and estuaries. With almost 90% of of 90% almost With estuaries. and tributaries river fed spring
the fish is under control. under is fish the Westland lakes is popular. is lakes Westland between the mountains and the sea including lakes, rivers, rivers, lakes, including sea the and mountains the between
When a trout is hooked, slow the boat and only stop when when stop only and boat the slow hooked, is trout a When 8. peaking in March. River fishing and trolling in South South in trolling and fishing River March. in peaking Brown trout and Salmon occupy a diverse range of habitats habitats of range diverse a occupy Salmon and trout Brown
in the regions lakes and rivers from January with numbers numbers with January from rivers and lakes regions the in
Vary trolling speed and direction. and speed trolling Vary 7. spinning gear. spinning
summer when insect hatches peak. Sea Run Salmon turn up up turn Salmon Run Sea peak. hatches insect when summer
excellent prospects for novice or intending anglers using bait or or bait using anglers intending or novice for prospects excellent The best strike zone is within 2m of the bottom. the of 2m within is zone strike best The 6.
shorter periods. Evening fishing is usually best in mid to late late to mid in best usually is fishing Evening periods. shorter
methods such as fly fishing for sighted trout, there are also also are there trout, sighted for fishing fly as such methods
clearer the water the longer and lighter the trace. the lighter and longer the water the clearer
water temperatures increase and trout become active for for active become trout and increase temperatures water
While the Region offers abundant opportunities for specialist specialist for opportunities abundant offers Region the While
Match trace length and weight to water clarity. Generally the the Generally clarity. water to weight and length trace Match 5.
Smaller streams generally fish best in early season before before season early in best fish generally streams Smaller
opportunity.
to plan ahead your trolling path. trolling your ahead plan to trout move upstream to occupy mid-headwater habitats. habitats. mid-headwater occupy to upstream move trout
exist in abundance along with a surprising diversity of angling angling of diversity surprising a with along abundance in exist
Use a sounder or land marks to stay at the chosen depth and and depth chosen the at stay to marks land or sounder a Use 4. carry more fish in spring and early summer, after which which after summer, early and spring in fish more carry
opportunity to fish for wild trout. On the ‘Coast these attributes attributes these ‘Coast the On trout. wild for fish to opportunity
pattern is for the lower reaches of the major rivers to to rivers major the of reaches lower the for is pattern
tend to concentrate fish. concentrate to tend
rate isolation, peace and solitude almost as highly as the the as highly as almost solitude and peace isolation, rate
that fluctuate depending on the time of year. The usual usual The year. of time the on depending fluctuate that
Abrupt changes in lake bed shape such as holes or pinnacles pinnacles or holes as such shape bed lake in changes Abrupt 3.
the pressures of modern life, increasing numbers of anglers anglers of numbers increasing life, modern of pressures the
Many of the rivers mentioned support trout populations populations trout support mentioned rivers the of Many
prime areas. prime between lies some 2m hectares, much of it in wilderness. With With wilderness. in it of much hectares, 2m some lies between
Fishing techniques Fishing
Drop offs, river and stream deltas and edges are usually usually are edges and deltas stream and river offs, Drop 2. point, north of Karamea, to Awarua point south of Haast. In In Haast. of south point Awarua to Karamea, of north point,
The West Coast Fish and Game Region extends from Kahurangi Kahurangi from extends Region Game and Fish Coast West The First familiarise yourself with the intended fishing area. fishing intended the with yourself familiarise First 1.
visit www.fishandgame.org.nz visit
Introduction 10 quick tips for boat fishing success fishing boat for tips quick 10 a full list, and GPS locations, of Angler Access points please please points Access Angler of locations, GPS and list, full a
Sportsfish Licences Trout, salmon and perch are all legally classified as sportsfish and a licence is required to fish for them. In most circumstances persons apprehended fishing without a licence will be prosecuted. Licence outlets are established in all main centres and most smaller settlements, however visitors may find it convenient to purchase their licence via the internet. Visit www.fishandgame.org.nz for easy purchase options.
Sports Fisheries
Airport Drive P.O. Box 179 Hokitika followed bygeneraltrolling. sideofthelakeismost successful, located onthesouthern Methods: Flyfishingoff themouthsoffewsmall feederstreams of thelake. recommended. Launchingrampislocatedtowards end theeastern Access: Footaccessislimitedbyaforested marginandaboatis Follow SH7toNgahere,right ontoNelsonCreek turn Rd. Haupiri containsbrown trout andislocated42kmfrom Greymouth. Lake Haupiri around shallowmargins. locations are nearthenarrow neckhalfwaydownthelakeand Fly fishingisproductive but a boatisdefiniteadvantage.Popular Methods: Trolling andharlingissuccessfulovermostofthelake. lake edge. boats. Footaccessisavailabletotherightofboatrampalong the Access: There isonlyoneaccesspoint forthelaunchingofsmall conditioned. Jacksons SH73.Brown trout average1.8kgsandare normallywell Lake Poeruaisa24kmdrivefrom off Moanaor8kmfrom theturn at Lake Poerua water isalittledeeper. shorespinning isatthelakeoutletoralongwestern where the beds betweenOrangipukuandTe Kingaisrecommended. Thebest cruising fishworkswell.Flyfishing from boatovertheshallowweed or atthemouthofCrooked andHohonuRiversduringthedayfor from shoreorlateevening, atthelakeoutletduringearlymorning Bay. Trolling neartheoutletduringsummerispopular. Flyfishing Brunner, mainlyfrom thefootofTe KingaHillthrough toClematis Methods: Successfultrolling canbehadalongthemarginsofLake • • • • Foot Accessisavailableat: Region. trout averaging1.1kgsandisthemostpopularanglingwaterin off Valley ontotheArnold RdtoMoana.LakeBrunnerholdsbrown Located 25kmfrom Greymouth. FollowSH7toStillwaterthenturn Lake Brunner be productive duringtheday, particularlyinshallowriffles. when trout oftenrisetohatchesatdusk.Flyfishingwithnymphscan in theseasonuptolateNovember. Flyfishingisbestintheevening River. Baitfishingisalsoproductive inthelowerriver, butisbestearly Methods: SpinfishingispopularallalongthemidandlowerGrey property, fastengatesandleavenolitter. road, permissionmustbeobtainedfrom landowners.Pleaserespect Totara FlatandIkamatua.Where theriverdoesnotrunalongside Racecourse, Taylorville, StillwaterBridge,Matai,Blackball,Ahaura, sides uptoIkamatua.Popularaccesspointsare Greymouth, Omoto Excellent accessisavailabletotheLowerGrey from roads onboth Lower GreyRiver New Zealand
Mitchells. Boat Launchingfacilitiesare availableatMoana,IveaghBayand track startingatboatramp. Lake. FootaccessisavailabletoCarew BayandBainvia Mitchells, a38kmdrivefrom MoanatotheSouthendof Iveagh Bay, pastMoanaoff ontoCashmere BayRd. Moana across Riverfootbridge. theArnold Telephone 03 755 8546 Fax 03 755 6540 Email: [email protected] Website: www.fishandgame.org.nz
Regulations Please consult the West Coast section in the South Island Sportsfishing Regulation Guide for up to date information on the regulations. These booklets are issued free with every fishing licence issued. If you require this booklet, visit any sports store or other agent displaying the Fish & Game sign for a free copy.
www.fishandgame.org.nz www.fishandgame.org.nz