Bait Fishing: Bait fishing is permitted in all waters. yeah nah but yeah. 9. 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 village . Sea Run Salmon turn up in the regions lakes and rivers from January with numbers peaking in March. Further on this road leads to the upper Ahaura and tributaries such as the Trent and Waiheke. Upper Ahaura, Mr Bill Perry Ph 03 738 0221. This road also gives access to Totara River Gorge. 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. West Coast Treetop Walk & Cafe. Following cu Upper reaches are accessible by taking first right turn Nth. Overall the Hokitika River is 64 kms long. There is an abundance of wildlife and tours to view fur seals, Hectors Dolphins and Fiordland Crested Penguins. The river mouth is at the township of Hokitika and the river runs for many kilometres inland from there. Lake Matheson, famous for its picture perfect reflections of Mount Cook & superb views of Fox Glacier. Located by the sea, at the mouth of Hokitika River, Hokitika is the largest town in Westland District. MATIU/SOMES Island, 24.9ha (62 acres), lies off Wellington, NZ, 3km south of Petone and the mouth of the Hutt River.It was first used as a quarantine facility with the arrival of the 'England' in 1872, which was carrying several passengers with smallpox, the passengers and crew being quartered in makeshift accommodation. Methods: Spin fishing is popular all along the mid and lower Grey River. It is always worth casting for searun brown trout near the river mouth. The Inangahua contains a very good population of trout, mainly small to medium sized but many larger fish in late season. Aratika, sign posted on the gate. It was not to be with rudd, but some splendid brown trout came our way. A down rigger or 4-6 colours of leadline is useful. and it was only by the most complete protection, including thf covering of mouth and nose with special respirators, that the germs could be excluded. Further south, Lakes Paringa and Moeraki are also good fishing grounds for sea-run salmon. Please note that McDonalds creek is closed to angling year-round. Its . Again it is best to avoid the lower river during the whitebait season as it gets very crowded, particularly on the first push of the tide. It covers the area immediately offshore from Ship Creek, which is also known as Tauparikk in Mori.. Haast really is the last outpost of civilisation in South Westland. The walk is a short one at 15 minutes, but it definitely packs a lot in over that time. when were redskin lollies first made. FISHING SITES CLOSE TO HOKITIKA RIVER. Where to fish; Plan your trip +64 27 223 8358; Email; The middle section of the river produces good numbers of trout and is quite easy to fish. Your email address will not be published. The river mouth is at the township of Hokitika and the river runs for many kilometres inland from there. Access: Boat ramp at Jamie Creek camping area. While the Region offers abundant opportunities for specialist methods such as fly fishing for sighted trout, there are also excellent prospects for novice or intending anglers using bait or spinning gear. Youll find current fishing regulations, water opening periods, and bag limits at the West Coast Fish & Game link also. For more information on freshwater fishing on the West Coast region visit: Fish & Game NZ. Dry flies: Small well dressed dry flies are the order for the upper reaches in patterns such as Royal Wulff, Kakahi Queen or Blue Dun. The Hokitika River emerges from the Southern Alps and flows northwest, entering the Tasman Sea 64 km later at Hokitika. It is quite difficult to get to most of the shoreline around this picturesque lake. between Stillwater and Moana. The usual pattern is for the lower reaches of the major rivers to carry more fish in spring and early summer, after which trout move upstream to occupy mid-headwater habitats. As always fly size and presentation are the keys to success. This lake produces beautifully marked fish up to 2.5 kg. Visit our award winning caf & unique gift gallery adjacent to the walkway. October 10, 2022 September 21, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Best fishing times for Hokitika River today Today is a good fishing day. not many, if any got enough for a feed or 2 and to pay for some Whitebait Tips and Techniques. Gold lured settlers to Okarito in 1865, although the prospect of the voyage from Hokitika can't have filled travellers with confidence, for the coast was littered with wrecks. Inangahua Times. Journey further into Glacier Country for the next leg of your fishing adventure. With the pressures of modern life, increasing numbers of anglers rate isolation, peace and solitude almost as highly as the opportunity to fish for wild trout. 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! Soon we were free of the ramp and as I opened up the throttle of the boat, the craziness of tourist season was left behind as Phil and I were alone in a secret world along the far shore. Huge shout out to The Wilderness Resort in Catherine Cover for making this dream come true for young Oliver. Mapourika is fringed by SH6, 10km north of Franz Josef, and is a productive brown trout and quinnat salmon fishery. You will need to be equipped and quick to go after the most treasured of all the fish found on the West Coast, because the whitebait season has been shortened from 1 September until just 30 October. Good early season tidal water for sea-run browns, especially when main river is in flood. Again any Pheasant Tail variant or Hares Ear or Stone Fly patterns work well. The 2-hour Point Elizabeth Walk passes through a scenic reserve and old gold mining sites. 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 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. Upper tributaries of the Waiatoto and Arawhata offer some potential but jetboat or helicopter access is expensive and arduous. Popular access points are Greymouth, Omoto Racecourse, Taylorville, Stillwater Bridge, Matai, Blackball, Ahaura, Totara Flat and Ikamatua. Children (15 yrs & under) $59, 2018 Leading Light Award Winners and Finalists, 2022 Leading Light Award Winners and Finalists, Arriving by train: Christchurch to Nelson. A medium sized river, which flows crystal clear in normal conditions. The Hokitika and Cook canyon system is at least 650km long, up to 20 km wide, and up to 1000 m below the surrounding seafloor (reaching depths below the sea . Dont even consider Hokitika River trout fishing without adequate protection from the dreaded West Coast sand flies. Hokitika. Phil Clark of Australia with another Lake Moeraki brown trout caught on the fly. 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 . Spot sporty brown trout in clear mountain streams or stalk the wily ones hiding in the dark forest-stained lakes. 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. Methods: Nymph and dry fly both work well here. On Mapourika, we had a great time, catching trout, and practicing stag roaring on a plastic horn I keep in the boat at this time of year. Bait fishing is also permitted in all waters on the West Coast as is the use of boats. If you are targeting the small runs of quinnat salmon try a small 22g silver zed spinner fished on 20 lb monofilament. Phil Clark of Australia and I have fished together many times, in many places, but Phil is somewhat of a West Coast fly fishing aficionado and he was back again to further explore the Coast in his 75th year. Soft bait jigging or bright spinners work best for perch. The Inangahua River flows through forest and farmland to the Buller River near the Inangahua settlement. The Hokitika rises in the Southern Alps and flows north west to enter the Tasman Sea at Hokitika township. Kotoku; turn off the road following the true right of the Molloy Creek. Methods: Larger holes and runs in mid lower sections of these rivers are more suited to spin fishing although during normal flows great opportunities for spotting feeding fish, particularly early morning/evening. Since I had fished here last some idiot had released the pest coarse fish Rudd (scardinius erythrophthalmus) into the lake and I was half expecting Phil to catch some as he expertly stripped damselfly and dragonfly nymphs over luxurious green weed beds below the surface. Hokitika is lucky enough to have some incredible natural features which includes the Hokitika Gorge. 3 likes. Some sea-run salmon arrive between January and April. Access is available at various marked points off La Fontaine Road (turn off at Harihari). Spinning: Spin anglers are advised to use light line (3kg max.) This wide slower moving section through the township of Hokitika up to the junction with the Kokatahi River is not highly recommended for the angler however. A good West Coast Map is recommended for visitors intending to get the most from a fishing trip to the Coast'. Learn about the town's heritage and hire a gold pan to try your hand at the Ross Goldfields Information Centre you might just find your own Roddy. Contribute to chinapedia/wikipedia.en development by creating an account on GitHub. If you're looking to throw bait, clams or sea worms on a fish-finder rig, a 3- to 4-ounce weight will do . Moana Footbridge at the outlet of Lake Brunner. A boat or kayak is a big asset on the West Coast lakes, and Lake Kaniere in particular, where the native bush often hangs right out over the water. These can change very quickly especially after a storm and so anglers need tto be constantly evaluating their fishing options and methods to suit. About 15 minutes south of Hokitika is Lake Mahinapua, rich in history and breathtaking views. 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. The Waitahu holds good sized fish throughout, while the Montgomerie is a mid-sized tributary offering excellent headwater angling prospects. 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. To access upper river take road to quarry off North end of SH6 bridge. It offers plenty of good fly fishing upstream. This leads to the lake edge. Fishing the surf is also an option at river mouths along the coast. The Landing Bridge is another and following the Larry or Waitahu rivers down to the confluence also provides quick access. bank) or via the subdivision Rd. The lake resident salmon population is smaller than in Mapourika, but sea-run salmon appear from January on. Access: Watch closely for signs at marked access points along the Arnold Valley Rd. Went for a look down at the river mouth after the big storm came through. The West Coast Fish & Game Region extends from Kahurangi Point, north of Karamea, to Awarua Point south of Haast. The middle reaches are accessible off Kokatahi Road which leads through Kowhitirangi to the Hokitika Gorge. The Hokitika rises in the Southern Alps . Venture onto the lake itself with West Coast Scenic Waterways. The Awarua supports good numbers of medium to large trout and some of 'trophy' size. Mid river reaches accessible from the Karamea gorge walking route. However, for visitors it is a quick guide to some of the more accessible waters. Stunning rental and fully guided kayak trips on the remote and tranquil Okarito Lagoon, with incredible views of the Southern Alps and Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The Southern Alps run down the backbone of the South Island, both defining and isolating the West Coast. Methods: In calm conditions (generally early morning and evening) large brown trout are easily spotted cruising lake margins. Resident brown trout tend to occupy the middle part of this river. Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport - the river ports of the South Island's West Coast - have always been dangerous for shipping.