Upstream tributaries like the Thomas, MacFarlane, and Clarke rivers are beautiful places with big red stags and some nice resident trout too. It is always worth casting for searun brown trout near the river mouth. Spin fishers do best with a bully or smelt imitation, although standard patterns such as the silver slice and toby can also be effective. and small (7g) lures where circumstances permit, especially in clear water and during low flows. Pinterest. There are fishing daily quests at the active Fishing Hole that give, There is also a set of repeatable fish turn-ins that give significant. Continue by foot along the track that eventually leads back to the river. At beautiful Lake Mahinapua we looked off the dock for freshwater red fin perch (perca fluviatilis) before continuing onwards to Ianthe. Sizes need to be small. The trolling is every bit as good with a record 44 hooked on one day. Where the river does not run alongside the road, permission must be obtained from adjacent landowners. It is always worth casting for sea-run brown trout near the river mouth. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. The annual salmon run in the Hokitika River is estimated at 200-500 fish. Lake Ianthe, just short of Hari Hari township, is a stunning jewel of a lake and home of some big brown trout. Evening fishing is usually best in mid to late summer when insect hatches peak. The Awarua supports good numbers of medium to large trout and some of 'trophy' size. Reefton, on the Lewis Pass road and near Victoria Conservation Park (NZ's largest), is well worth a stop and its claim to fame is an illuminating one in 1888 it was the first town in the Southern Hemisphere to have electric streetlights! The Hokitika rises in the Southern Alps and flows north west to enter the Tasman Sea at Hokitika township. Methods: In calm conditions (generally early morning and evening) large brown trout are easily spotted cruising lake margins. This is a popular fishery close to a population centre so catch and release is requested. Quirky church turned West Coast fishing lodge, West Coast could see snapper catch increased, Two youths arrested, charged with murder in relation to fatal Auckland assault, Chiefs score fastest-ever Super Rugby try in 52-29 win over Moana Pasifika, Christchurch council wants super city, warning NZ has reached 'peak rates', Owner denies boarded up caf closed because of wage arrears: Vows to re-open, Be warned: mistakes on census forms can't be corrected or updated, Recap: Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs - Super Rugby Pacific, Quiz: Afternoon trivia challenge: March 4, 2023, 'We can be proud': Crusaders wanted to win for grieving Scott Robertson, Wellington Phoenix cry foul after Brisbane Roar player escapes red card then sets up late equaliser. Various access points are available at Mitchells, a 38km drive from Moana to the South end of the Lake. It begins 12km north of Greymouth at Rapahoe Beach, which also happens to be a favourite swimming spot during summer. Inangahua Times. Access is available at various marked points off La Fontaine Road (turn off at Harihari). Upstreama Hare and Copper Nymph, Coch-y-Bondhu, or any brown beetle pattern is worth a try. Nimmo Gallery is in the heart of Greymouth. Moana is an excellent base for a fishing escape as theres a range of accommodation from Hotel Lake Brunner to campsites, and an endless supply of fishing spots on the lake and its tributaries. Simply browse for your screenshot using the form below. Stock photos, 360 images, vectors and videos. Hokitika. . The Hokitika Gorge is 33kms from Hokitika. Aaron was tackled up with his Browning Hi-Power Speed Stick and a Penn 4200 SS loaded with 2kg Maxima Ultragreen monofilament. Backcountry fishing for rainbow trout in the Hokitika River is quite challenging and requires a fair bit of walking. If river fishing is your preference, both Hokitika river and Mahinapua creek offer spin and fly fishing for trout . Brown trout average 1.8 kgs and are normally well conditioned. Much of the lower reaches are wide and the unstable shingle bed is not an ideal trout environment. Contact R.L. Whitebait Streamer Fly for Sea-Run Trout. Visit our award winning caf & unique gift gallery adjacent to the walkway. Tide Forecaster. When fish arent biting, theres a visual feast for fishers on lovely Lake Mapourika, just north of Franz Josef township in Glacier Country. Tourists crammed the boat ramp area making it a nightmare to back the boat down the ramp without potentially running over some dazed overseas visitor oblivious to Phil and Zane's most excellent adventure. There is very good access along both banks especially below the highway bridge. Further inland the river provides very good habitat for trout and in the upper reaches there is some excellent back-country fishing. 135 people follow this. Heavy nymph in deeper runs most effective, but dont overlook the fish in seemingly impossibly deep holes. The Hokitika has a number of important tributaries that provide a range of different fishing experiences. Not forgetting Lake Brunner Eco Lodge sitting pretty on the opposite southern side of the lake. A river that caters for all levels of fishing skills though the upper reaches are really only for the more experienced angler. Come and join us, we'd love to meet you. Although only 39 km south of Greymouth, Hokitika has a distinct identity as a major tourist destination, as well as the centre for dairy processing on the West Coast. The Inangahua contains a very good population of trout, mainly small to medium sized but many larger fish in late season. It offers plenty of good fly fishing upstream. Moana Footbridge at the outlet of Lake Brunner. This sandy corner of beach not far from the river mouth has access to deep, fast-moving water very close to shore. A 45 minute drive from Hokitika on the Hokitika River. The Kaniere - Kowhitirangi Rd runs close to much of the lower reaches with a number of side roads leading of giving access to the middle section. Grey River Argus. In reality, kahawai can show up at any . If you prefer the fly rod in the lower reaches for brown trout try a Parsons Glory or Yellow Rabbit. Your email address will not be published. Watch. This is a new nationally consistent season to help protect fish stocks. We recommend staying here for the night as there is a great variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes! These coordinates correspond to the places where you can set an Iskaaran Fishing Net if you have one: /way The Waking Shores 64.48 74.14 River Mouth On the Coast these attributes exist in abundance' along with a surprising diversity of angling opportunity. Spinning for cruising browns can be successful but wet fly fishing is best. At the little lakeside resort of Moana the locals dine out on the one about 31 brown trout caught on the fly in a single day. For more information on freshwater fishing on the West Coast region visit: Fish & Game NZ. Hokitika Gorge Walk. So, what are you waiting for? Foot access is available to Carew Bay and Bain Bay via track, starting at boat ramp. A delightful spring fed tributary of the Wanganui River. Fishing Techniques: Many of the rivers mentioned support trout populations which fluctuate depending on the time of year. Advertise Here. Hokitika has plenty of accommodation, guides, rental vehicles and helicopters to access the perfect fishing spots. To reach Iveagh Bay continue past Moana and turn off onto Cashmere Bay Rd. Brown Trout and Quinnat Salmon can be found in this lake. Phil Clark of Australia with another Lake Moeraki brown trout caught on the fly. If spin fishing when the river is low and very clear try a smaller spinner like a black and gold Glimmy, or a small blade spinner such as a Mepps with a black blade. The walk is a short one at 15 minutes, but it definitely packs a lot in over that time. Brazils, OGrady, Golf links and the Perseverance Road provide easy access roads directly to the River. Walks in the Lake Brunner area on the West Coast. Please keep the following in mind when posting a comment: Your comment must be in English or it will be removed. Take your pick. Methods: Water is usually very clear and best suited to dry fly and nymph techniques for fish that become more wary as the season progresses. This had sparked the idea in Phil's head about a grand "bucket list"fishing trip around the whole South Island, starting out on the northern West Coast and fishing our way south. Venture onto the lake itself with West Coast Scenic Waterways. Much of it is accessible by vehicle. In some spots on this river, they can drive you crazy! Glacier Country is a unique area where you can enjoy the freedom to explore New Zealands most diverse, unaltered natural landscapes - from the mountains and glaciers to the sea - and to immerse yourself in pure nature. The Hokitika area has a lot of fishing to enjoy, both fresh and saltwater, with kahawai and red cod at the river mouth while we were in . To access upper river take road to quarry off North end of SH6 bridge. The surf beaches along this whole coast provide excellent surfcasting when sea and weather are favourable. This television report tells of the loss of the fishing boat, Craig Ewan, on 2 August 1993. Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport - the river ports of the South Island's West Coast - have always been dangerous for shipping. If you're looking to throw bait, clams or sea worms on a fish-finder rig, a 3- to 4-ounce weight will do . Another tributary of the Inangahua, located approximately 15km north of Reefton along SH69. Select a region to discover the role of local Fish & Game Council, find freshwater fishing and game bird hunting information specific to that region. Fishing from the shore is limited to the jetty and a small beach behind the Girl Guides Hall. "Got him" Phil replied excitedly as the 3kg brown boiled the surface attached to his fly. The strange this is that frosty winter days dont bother the sand flies at all. Zane Mirfin and Phil Clark on top of the world at Fox Glacier. However, for visitors it is a quick guide to some of the more accessible waters. Take a leisurely paced journey through the West Coast, visiting lakes as you make your way down south from Lake Brunner through to Haast. Close to the mouth of the Hokitika River, the town of Hokitika is located on New Zealand 's South Island, in the West Coast Region. Some salmon enter the river between Jan and April and larger sea run fish trout can be caught between Sept and Dec in the lower reaches as they enter the river chasing whitebait. Access: Boat launching available at Shanghai Bay. Surf cast from the beaches, dive for crayfish or gather shellfish, troll or fly fish the lakes and rivers for trophy-sized trout and salmon. when were redskin lollies first made. Feb 2, 2015 - Hokitika River Mouth, Aerial View, Hokitika. Word has it that after a couple of quiet years, the fish are fit for a fight so there's never been a better time for a fishing expedition, weekend or short break on the West Coast. Regional Site? Upper tributaries of the Waiatoto and Arawhata offer some potential but jetboat or helicopter access is expensive and arduous. Brown trout are present but are seldom caught before hooking a perch. Here at Shades of Jade we are proud to showcase Pounamu that is 100% genuine West Coast Pounamu. Easy access can be gained to the tidal portion of Mikonui from SH6 Bridge. Further on this road leads to the upper Ahaura and tributaries such as the Trent and Waiheke. The good news is that many West Coast cafs and restaurants feature whitebait on their menus. The upper section is accessible off Petersons Rd. Make your way to Lake Brunner that is famous for brown trout, great food and accommodation. Most major river mouths and estuarine areas in South Westland fish well for sea-run browns during spring and early summer. Good access for most of its length off SH73. Here's a classic video showing fishing boats attempting to cross the Grey River bar during an epic flood. The best spinning is at the lake outlet or along the western shore where the water is a little deeper. Part of the appeal of South Westland is its 'wildness', which while providing for scenic values, often makes access to good fishing challenging. The following information barely scratches the surface of what is available. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Video by request. It makes for an interesting stop where you can feed the salmon and then taste the product! Methods: A boat is necessary to fish the lake successfully. Also thanks to Flynn Jack for putting him onto a Snapper, also Craig and Kathy from . Flowing 64km from the high Southern Alps into the Tasman Sea at Hokitika, the Hokitika River provides a beautiful setting for great backcountry fishing, notably for good sized rainbow and brown trout.. Salmon also swim up the Hokitika River between January and . It contains browns, rainbows and perch. In season, thousands of West Coasters can be found at the river mouths and waterways trying their luck with nets and buckets in the pursuit of the main ingredient for a delectable whitebait pattie. Fishing the surf is also an option at river mouths along the coast. Turn hard right over Mahinapua Creek Bridge and follow dirt road to confluence. The visiting angler can expect a few Chinook salmon to be present in the Hokitika River from late December to April. Heavy hare and copper, stonefly or similar bead head patterns are useful for deeper headwater pools and riffles, while size 12-16 is necessary for spring fed streams and side braids where a more delicate presentation is required. Kotoku; turn off the road following the true right of the Molloy Creek. Journey further into Glacier Country for the next leg of your fishing adventure. Hokitika River upstream of the swing bridge at Lower Gorge, Hokitika River downstream of the swing bridge at Lower Gorge. Check out and download the very comprehensive West Coast Fish and Game access brochure. Upstream, particularly above the Hokitika Gorge, it is true wilderness fishing and some of the rainbows are quite big fish! Chao-Ching Lee, 35, died at the Kaituna River mouth on June 25. Fly fishing is productive but a boat is a definite advantage. Where to fish; Plan your trip +64 27 223 8358; Email; Popular colours are green and gold, black and gold, black, and white or silver near river mouths. Almost all the West Coast rivers contain sea-run brown trout in their lower reaches. Early season the weather and rivers were volatile, but fortunately there was a magic weather window in autumn and we enjoyed great fishing. Good streamer patterns for estuary fishing include Parsons Glory, Grey Ghost and Yellow Dorothy. The Arnold exits Lake Brunner before joining the Grey River 15kms from Greymouth at Stillwater. A popular overnight and day stop. Large perch inhabit the creek above tidal reach. Lake Ianthe is south of Ross on SH6 near Pukekura and is an excellent brown trout fishery. Here is a list of Hokitika attractions voted amongst the best things to do in Hokitika. a fishing and farming village at the east end of the Hong Kong-China border. Was a awesome sight to see.If you enjoy our vids, you might want to support us on Patreon, . Methods: Nymph and dry fly both work well here. Probably the best trout fishing on the West Coast is the northern half, generally because the rivers are more stable and less blown apart from mercurial and routine flood events, growing ever more common in a modern climate change-ridden world. Had a few scoops How many bait? Access: Boat ramp at Jamie Creek camping area. Mucking around on the side of the river, no whitebait were harmed in the making of this video. Most of the area is reserved as a National Park and your Hokitika fishing experience is enhanced by exceptionally beautiful, rugged scenery, including majestic mountain ranges and breathtaking gorges. The Buller near Westport is popular, with good sea run trout regularly taken during the spring as they enter the river during whitebait season. The Wairau Diversion (river mouth), Clarence, Hurunui, Waitaki, Hokitika and Haast River mouths are also well-known locations where kahawai shoals consistently turn up over the spring and summer months. The mid-section around the Stony confluence is most suited to a heavy nymph fished near the edges. A 4WD is advisable beyond the bridge at the end of the tar seal and the track maintains good contact with the true right bank enabling easy access upstream for 9-10kms. Some sea-run salmon arrive between January and April. Nymphs: In the upper reaches small flies are recommended such as a gold bead Hare and Copper or Pheasants Tail (sizes 14 - 16). The lower Grey River itself has large sea-run trout in it from September to December, with fish up to 5kg encountered. Hokitika Town on the north side of the Hokitika River, near its mouth. In the middle reaches anglers should use slightly larger nymphs (12- 14) though again smaller patterns may be more appropriate during the warmer months when the river is lower and clearer. Local fishing guides offer everything from first-timer lessons to backcountry heli expeditions into remote fishing spots. Copyright NZFishing.com All Rights Reserved | Site and hosting by iConcept.co.nz. Great views of the Gorge from two lookouts and a swingbridge. . Popular sites are off the mouth of McDonalds Creek and by boat, in areas referred to above. The middle section of the river produces good numbers of trout and is quite easy to fish. Soon we were back to the melee of tourists on the tarmac below and it reminded me of a shooting trip with hunting mentor Neil Simmons at Fox years ago. Glow Worm Dell. Popular locations are near the narrow neck half way down the lake and around shallow margins. Foot access is available to the right of the boat ramp along the lake edge. Enjoy water sports in the lake. Hokitika south is what I always term South Westland and although trout fishing results tend to be more variable, it is a truly magical place to visit, fish, and explore. LOCAL AND GENERAL. Book Lake Brunner Eco Lodge, South Island on Tripadvisor: See 33 traveler reviews, 34 candid photos, and great deals for Lake Brunner Eco Lodge, ranked #464 of 1,491 specialty lodging in South Island and rated 4.5 of 5 at Tripadvisor.