THE MAEREWHE.......... ANGLING IVER FIS ERy INFO nON NEW ZFALAND The Maerewhenua River is the second The Maerewhenua River is a small largest tributary of the lower Waitaki River. clearwater fishery where fine tippets on a Brown and Rainbow Trout are found in light floating line will provide access to most moderate numbers in the mid and upper trout seen. There are however larger pools reaches however from the confluence with which may require a deep sunken nymph to the Waitaki River to a point approximately tempt the more wary fish. In these locations 5km upstream they are seldom observed. a sinking line or a "nymph tip" may be necessary to take your artificial to the The Maerewhenua River is a small trout bottom. stream and during the height of summer otten suffers from low flows. As levels fall The Maerewhenua River produces a diverse some trout descend to the cold waters of the population of aquatic invertebrates with Waitaki River, anglers intending to fish the mayfly and caddis being the most prolific of Maerewhenua River should do so during the the species. early part of the season. Despite its small Artificial dry flies and nymphs in smaller size, the Maerewhenua River holds some sizes which represent these are large trout and it is not uncommon to see an recommended. Nymph patterns which have occasional specimen of 2.5kg. In the upper been successful include: "Hare and Copper", reaches the river divides. In the North "Pheasant Tail", and "Hares Ear". Gold or Branch, the larger of the two streams, trout copper beadhead patterns are also used and are more numerous. If a good flow is evident early in the season larger Stonefly and in the South Branch it is worth inspection. Creeper nymphs will entice post spawning Although access is more difficult, otten large trout especially voracious "rainbows". adults will stay alter spawning presenting the Dry flies used to deceive Maerewhenua trout angler with surprising opportunities. Nymph include both feather and hairwing mayfly fishing is generally successful throughout patterns such as: "Royal Wulff', "Adams the day, but at times mayfly hatches will Irresistible", "Red Tipped Governor", "Coch­ occur and trout will feed with great y-Bondhu", "March Brown", "Blue Dun", and enthusiasm precluding all other food items. "Humpy". Emerger patterns such as the GLER ACCESS "C.D.C." are ollen a good provider when a hatch is on. Central South Island Region 32 Richard Pearse Drive. PO Box 150, Temuka, New Zealand Telephone (03) 615 8400, Facsimile (03) 615 8401 ACCESS ETIQ.UETTE ROTECTING • No dogs THE ESOURCE • No guns • No camping Clear flowing trout streams are an important • Leave gates as you find them part of the New Zealand environment. • Stay within the river margins Recreationally they are enjoyed by anglers, • Do not litter hunters, naturalists, and they provide a • Respect private property landscape for which New Zealand is famous. • Avoid disturbing stock or damaging crops Today however, there are competing • Do not park vehicles in gateways interests which can seriously affect these • Be courteous to local landowners and delicate ecosystems, and all flowing waters others are under threat. Small rivers and coastal Remember the reputation of ALL anglers is streams have become endangered habitats. reflected by your actions Anglers who have concerns regarding riparian damage, water abstraction or water quality should act immediately. FISHING ET Q.UETTE Regional Councils have staff who will deal with your complaints. • Respect other anglers already on the water • Enquire politely about their fishing plans • Start your angling in the opposite direction Environment Canterbury has a 24 hour • Refer to your current Sports Fishing Guide "Pollution Hotline" call 688 3320. for fishing regulations and bag limits For river and rainfall information call 08 322 5522 ./_~ Maerewhenua River Shaded pools, Tokarahi Pump house ~~~ <:X(;ame Cover Photo: NEW ZEALAND North Branch Maerewhenua River Central South Island Region 32 Richard Pearse Drive, PO Box 150, Temuka. New Zealand Telephone (03) 615 8400, Facsimile (03) 615 8401 photography by G. Hughes SH83 MAEREWHENUA RIVER ACCESS POINTS CD State Highway 83 Bridge ® Creek Road @ Earthquakes Road Bridge @ Ford ® Pumping Station ® Pringles Gulley Road Bridge (j) Roadside Access ® Roadside Access ® North Branch Access @ South Branch Access ® Danseys Pass Road Bridge _____ Major roads ----- Secondary roads ---------- 4WD access ......................... Walking track _____ Maerewhenua River ----- Tributaries M Camping @ Access points 1 Sca!e 1: 50000 .