Watch for subtle rises near the weed beds and fish an unweighted nymph, otherwise bully imitation fished wet. Follow SH7 to Stillwater then turn off on to the Arnold Valley Rd to Moana. At night use very dark patterns such as a Hairy Dog or Black Fuzzy-Wuzzy. Moana is a town that sits on the edge of Lake Brunner near Greymouth, West Coast. You should also give Lake Kaniere a try if you have the time. Unlike the other Fishing Holes, River Mouth is always available: There are five known Fishing Holes. Fish numbers are low in the lower reaches but there are moderate numbers in the more fishable upper reaches where some of the fish grow quite large. 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. If you enjoyspin fishing you will be pleased to know that there are no Fly Fishing Only waters in the West Coast Fish & Game Region at all. Hokitika River. Where to fish; Plan your trip +64 27 223 8358; Email; Again any Pheasant Tail variant or Hares Ear or Stone Fly patterns work well. We're not around right now. Moana is a town that sits on the edge of Lake Brunner near Greymouth, West Coast. Because most fish are hooked close to the bottom, a slow retrieve is recommended. Nymphs: In the upper reaches small flies are recommended such as a gold bead Hare and Copper or Pheasants Tail (sizes 14 - 16). The Hokitika Gorge and the Lake Kaniere Scenic Reserves are two beautiful spots to take a stroll or just have a picnic. Guests at Wilderness Lodge on the shores of Lake Moeraki can hire fishing gear to try their luck on Lake Moeraki. Brown and rainbow trout plus some salmon in the lower reaches. With almost 90% of the Region in public ownership barriers to access for anglers are, for the most part, dictated only by climate and terrain. Went for a look down at the river mouth after the big storm came through. Hokitika River Map. Jackson Bay a scenic 32km drive south of Haast and the last settlement on the West Coast is a working fishing port with a lobster cool store right on the waterside. 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. Aratika, sign posted on the gate. Access is available up and downstream. Perch up to 1kg abound in the lake and outlet creek providing excellent angling for kids. Fly fishing from boat over the shallow weed beds between Orangipuku and Te Kinga is recommended. 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. Above Reefton, SH7 follows close to the true right of the river and there are many locations where easy access off the side of the road is available. You get the greenery of the surrounding native forest, the stunning turquoise waters of the Hokitika River, the rugged rock formations at its banks and get . Upstream tributaries like the Thomas, MacFarlane, and Clarke rivers are beautiful places with big red stags and some nice resident trout too. Old Arnold Road between the Arnold River and Arnold Valley Rd. It contains browns, rainbows and perch. Hokitika Guardian. Scenic Air Tour with Wilderness Wings. Glacier Country is Whataroa, Okarito, Lake Mapourika, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson and Gillespies Beach. In the Hokitika River, no licence holder shall take, kill or be in possession of more than4 brown trout, 2 rainbow trout, 2 salmon. 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. Deep water trolling is most productive for salmon along the western fringe south of the lake near the outlet, off the entrance to Jetty Bay where the main boat ramp is located, or off the roadside edge from Jetty Bay to the mouth of Redjacks Creek. A little further south is Lake Ianthe. Enjoy two guided walks around the town, bush, lake and historic gold ruins of Ross. Venture onto the lake itself with West Coast Scenic Waterways. The Haupiri River is crossed 1km past Lake Haupiri. Hokitika River upstream of the swing bridge at Lower Gorge, Hokitika River downstream of the swing bridge at Lower Gorge. For the record, we fished the Waitangitaona River (Whataroa), the Hokitika, the Styx and Harris Creek rivers. More on West Coast Salmon Fishing Rivers. Best fishing times for Hokitika River today Today is a good fishing day. Touch device users can explore . Part of the appeal of South Westland is its 'wildness', which while providing for scenic values, often makes access to good fishing challenging. If you're after a chance to fish for wild trout, the lakes of the West Coast are perfect for you. Here's a classic video showing fishing boats attempting to cross the Grey River bar during an epic flood. This lake produces beautifully marked fish up to 2.5 kg. In between lies some 2m hectares, much of it wilderness. The village . 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. and small (7g) lures where circumstances permit, especially in clear water and during low flows. Required fields are marked *. Don't miss this incredible location. 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You might want to proof-read your comments before posting them. Perch. This is real white-baiting country and fishing is outstanding from Jackson Bay. Stock photos, 360 images, vectors and videos. Hokitika has plenty of accommodation, guides, rental vehicles and helicopters to access the perfect fishing spots. Easy access is available in the lower reaches which usually hold 1-2kg browns and sea-runners in early season. Some sea-run salmon arrive between January and April. This is a good fishing river for all abilities of angler. Spot colourful little whitebaiters huts at many spots on the coast, including the Wanganui River mouth, on the Harihari Coastal Walkway, south of Ross. While trout fishing is year-round on the West Coast, the salmon fishing season runs from spring until autumn (1 October to 31 March). The river mouth is at the township of Hokitika and the river runs for many kilometres inland from there. There is no daily bag limit for perch in the West Coast Fish & Game Region. Top of the South Island to Durville island for a fishing trip with Oliver. 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. "Strip slowly now" I advised Phil. Some lakes also offer some significant pacific salmon fishing opportunities for Chinook salmon (oncorhynchus tshawytscha) with Lakes Paringa and Mapourika being prime stopovers for the nomadic anadromous salmon intent on heading upstream to their natal spawning streams. Central South Islands Backcountry Fishery, The Clinton and Worsley Controlled Backcountry Fisheries, The Ohau River Controlled Backcountry Fishery, Sea Run Salmon Season Bag Limit Return Form for the 2022/23 Season, Turning the Tide Speakers Presentations, Hunting rules - Regions with magazine restrictions, How to plug your pump-action shotgun magazine, Max. The National Kiwi Centre. Methods: A boat is necessary to fish the lake successfully. Hokitika River, Grey District's tide times and tide charts, high tide and low tide times, fishing times, tide tables, weather forecasts surf reports and solunar charts for today. Walks in the Lake Brunner area on the West Coast. Share this. Popular locations are near the narrow neck half way down the lake and around shallow margins. It is always worth casting for sea-run brown trout near the river mouth. Imagine casting your line into a breathtaking limestone canyon filled with turquoise blue waters. Lake Matheson, famous for its picture perfect reflections of Mount Cook & superb views of Fox Glacier. Caught, hooked, netted, trapped, trolled, gathered or just eaten fishing tales are legendary around the West Coast. It is always worth casting for sea-run brown trout near the river mouth. Home West Coast Maps - West Coast Hokitika River Map. Feb 2, 2015 - Hokitika River Mouth, Aerial View, Hokitika. Darker patterned lures work best in discoloured water or at night. Discover Stewart Nimmos unique West Coast imagery. The West Coast of the South Island is a magical and mysterious wonderland, easily one of the world's wildest and remotest outdoor adventure playgrounds. Further on this road leads to the upper Ahaura and tributaries such as the Trent and Waiheke. Methods: Bait and spin fishing are the preferred methods in the larger holes and runs, but fly fishing can also be productive especially at evening when trout often feed near the surface on hatching nymphs. Various access points are available at Mitchells, a 38km drive from Moana to the South end of the Lake. In the middle reaches the river flows over a shingle and stone bed through fairly open countryside and is suited to both spin and fly fishing. Bait fishing is also productive in the lower river, but is best early in the season up to late November. The following guide, by necessity, is limited to more popular or accessible waters. These include Wall Rd, Stopbank Rd and Whitcombe Rd. Access: Angling is most popular in the middle reaches, both above and below Reefton. Not forgetting Lake Brunner Eco Lodge sitting pretty on the opposite southern side of the lake. Mucking around on the side of the river, no whitebait were harmed in the making of this video. The annual salmon run in the Hokitika River is estimated at 200-500 fish. October 10, 2022 September 21, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Copyright NZFishing.com All Rights Reserved | Site and hosting by iConcept.co.nz. The author with a kahawai taken on a saltwater fly off the Arawata River mouth. Where the river does not run alongside the road, permission must be obtained from landowners. For salmon white or silver lures are recommended or black/green and gold when the water is discoloured. Some sea-run salmon arrive between January and April. Smelt and large bullies are often very effective in tidal areas. New ZealandMetService weather forecast for Hokitika. The visiting angler can expect a few Chinook salmon to be present in the Hokitika River from late December to April. Soft bait jigging or bright spinners work best for perch. Snapper can even be caught from the beach behind Hokitika township on occasion. Best fishing times for Hokitika River Bar today Today is an average fishing day. About 15 minutes south of Hokitika is Lake Mahinapua, rich in history and breathtaking views. The Waitahu holds good sized fish throughout, while the Montgomerie is a mid-sized tributary offering excellent headwater angling prospects. Last 30 days. 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! FISHING SITES CLOSE TO HOKITIKA RIVER. Lead line is generally used to reach sea-run fish down deep. In reality, kahawai can show up at any . Catching kahawai (arripis trutta) in the Hokitika river mouth and shopping for greenstone and glasswork, we enjoyed West Coast ambience before heading south on a two week fishing road trip. Commonly used dry flies include Deer Hair, Mole Fly or a similar good floater for big water, Adams, Khaki Queen Coachman or Blue Dun for smaller water. Also thanks to Flynn Jack for putting him onto a Snapper, also Craig and Kathy from . . The whitebaiting is a spectacle to watch as 'baiters manoeuvre huge scoop nets. Access: Boat launching available at Shanghai Bay. Cheers Arthur, Croos the Hoki bar at high tide only, or go out from Greymouth, heat to the northern side of the trench where there is a steep drop off, fish the top of the shelf around 250 to 300 metres, only head out if its green on swellmap as its a ways out and can chop up real quick, Your email address will not be published. If you're after a chance to fish for wild trout, the lakes of the West Coast are perfect for you. True Left: The Buller River is easily accessible for many kilometres off the adjacent SH6. Mapourika is fringed by SH6, 10km north of Franz Josef, and is a productive brown trout and quinnat salmon fishery. Lake Mapourika is part of the wild sea-run salmon spawning route from the Tasman Sea into the lake via the Okarito River, plus introduced lake salmon which are present year-round. Brown trout average 1.8 kgs and are normally well conditioned. 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. Spin fishers do best with a bully or smelt imitation, although standard patterns such as the silver slice and toby can also be effective. Wairau River Great access point to fish the lower hydro canal, the Wairau River, or even the Goulter River (requires fording of Wairau on foot during low flows). Turn off SH6 at Mahinapua Hotel 12km south of Hokitika. Access: Turn right off SH69 onto a forestry road. Further inland the river provides very good habitat for trout and in the upper reaches there is some excellent back-country fishing. Tragedy on Greymouth bar. The Hokitika River is in the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. It offers plenty of good fly fishing upstream. 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. Fishing Holes offer a greater chance to get, Characters and their alts who have reached Renown 5 and have done the quest to create their, Characters and their alts who have reached Renown 7 and acquired their, Complete the two daily quests (each can be done once per day) - total restock of 30 fish, Turn in fish 20 at a time for restocking (repeatable). Use weighted flies in the deeper or faster water. Look for West Coast Fishing Guides here. There is very good access along both banks especially below the highway bridge. Foot access is limited to the foreshore at the bay or part way around the Lake Mahinapua Walkway. Goes without saying but just about any beach on the West Coast is good for surfcasting. Bait Fishing: Bait fishing is permitted in all waters. Mosey on down through to Hokitika. Simply browse for your screenshot using the form below. Good early season tidal water for sea-run browns, especially when main river is in flood. It offers plenty of good fly fishing upstream. A unique little restaurant in a perfect location at Jacksons Bay, Haast. Anglers trying their luck at Hokitika River trout fishingcan expect sea-run brown trout in the lower river, though they are usually smaller fish than those found on the East Coast, mostly around three pounds, with occasional five-pound fish. After dark try Red Shadow, Black Hairy Dog or Dark Hopes Silvery. Fishing Techniques: Many of the rivers mentioned support trout populations which fluctuate depending on the time of year. Here is a list of Hokitika attractions voted amongst the best things to do in Hokitika. In this time we fished major rivers and their tributaries, like the Karamea, Mohikinui, Buller, Grey, Taramakau, Hokitika, Wanganui, Whataroa, Paringa, and lakes galore. 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 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. Local fishing guides offer everything from first-timer lessons to backcountry heli expeditions into remote fishing spots. 252 Beachside Motels & Holiday Park, Hokitika. 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 45 minute drive from Hokitika on the Hokitika River. This is a new nationally consistent season to help protect fish stocks. Upstream of Lyell the river lies within the Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game Region. We recommend staying here for the night as there is a great variety of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes! when were redskin lollies first made. Discover Gold Rush Relics and Pan for Gold! Tackle Stores and Fishing Licence Agents in the West Coast Fish & Game Region. Good sized trout may be expected, also salmon from January - April. Regional Site? The Hokitika rises in the Southern Alps . To access upper river take road to quarry off North end of SH6 bridge. The Wowhead Client is a little application we use to keep our database up to date, and to provide you with some nifty extra functionality on the website! Somewhat under the radar compared to other West Coast lakes, Mapourika has some of the most impressive mountain reflections and stunning views along with some of the best year-round brown trout and seasonal salmon fishing on the Coast. 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. Good access is also possible from Reedys Road which is the only turnoff at the end of Victoria Rd. Lakes Mapourika and a morning on Lake Kanieri were where we fished to 55 fish and caught 21 of them. Upper reaches are accessible by taking first right turn Nth. Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport - the river ports of the South Island's West Coast - have always been dangerous for shipping. This is a popular fishing spot for crayfish, groper, blue cod, and tarakihi, along with kilometres of surfcasting beaches for snapper, kahawai and gurnard. Travellers on this route also have the opportunity to fish the Haupiri River. The Hokitika Gorge is 33kms from Hokitika. Lake Ianthe, just short of Hari Hari township, is a stunning jewel of a lake and home of some big brown trout. Twin Rivers is a real slice of what fly fishing in New Zealand is all about. Spinning is effective during freshes, particularly in lower reaches. Police said the Te Puke man had been fishing. Methods: These waters are influenced by heavy floods and fish numbers vary, however the mid Haupiri normally supports good trout numbers and the upper Ahaura consistently produces good sized fish. Fly fishing with nymphs can be productive during the day, particularly in shallow riffles. HOKITIKA WALKS. Andrew, our affable pilot, put us down for a snow landing high above Fox Glacier and we enjoyed breathtaking vistas while standing on glistening white snow. maltese rescue orange county 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. When fish arent biting, theres a visual feast for fishers on lovely Lake Mapourika, just north of Franz Josef township in Glacier Country. . not many, if any got enough for a feed or 2 and to pay for some Whitebait Tips and Techniques. Bait fishing is also permitted in all waters on the West Coast as is the use of boats. Milne on 03 738 0038. For salmon large zed-spinners in silver, yellow or white are a popular choice. 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. Access is available at various marked points off La Fontaine Road (turn off at Harihari). Hokitika River Bar, Grey District's tide times and tide charts, high tide and low tide times, fishing times, tide tables, weather forecasts surf reports and solunar charts for today. Journey further into Glacier Country for the next leg of your fishing adventure. Lakes come up and lakes go down but the trout populations remain constant. Take a leisurely paced journey through the West Coast, visiting lakes as you make your way down south from Lake Brunner through to Haast. Available for both RF and RM licensing. The weather was epic and Phil and I were piloted in a Hughes 500 helicopter over both glaciers, with magic views of mountains Tasman and Cook. Arnold River Bridge near Aratika. The Awarua supports good numbers of medium to large trout and some of 'trophy' size. There is trout fishing further south but I've never been very successful in the Okuru and Turnbull rivers. Access: A boat ramp is available off SH6 at southern end of the lake. Its A spot of free diving in South Westland produces a good feed, we find some 1080 on a public Hey mate, heading over to the west coast for New Years. Small bullies are the primary food source although trout will take an unweighted nymph and often rise freely to a large dry fly. To gain access to the upper reaches of both rivers, landowners must be contacted in advance. The lake was all ours with not a sole in sight all day. Spinning: Spin anglers are advised to use light line (3kg max.) Methods: In calm conditions (generally early morning and evening) large brown trout are easily spotted cruising lake margins. If you prefer the fly rod in the lower reaches for brown trout try a Parsons Glory or Yellow Rabbit. Two Chinese couples were especially good natured and full of humour, posing in front of the boat with our fishing rods and landing nets for photographs, even roping Phil and I into hamming it up for the camera. 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. 135 people follow this. Heavy nymph in deeper runs most effective, but dont overlook the fish in seemingly impossibly deep holes. Theres a fishing trip to keep everyone entertained, from novice to experienced anglers. Would you like to be directed to the We offer visitors a rare opportunity to experience the untouched natural beauty of Te Whipounamu - World Heritage Area, while traveling in one of our custom designed fully enclosed jet boats. 30 minutes north of Hokitika on SH6 is Greymouth. The trolling is every bit as good with a record 44 hooked on one day. Spinning for a sea-run brown trout near the mouth of the Hokitika River. Frew Hut sleeps 10 people on two platforms and is heated . Located on the west coast of New Zealand's South Island and 40 kms south of Greymouth and located near the mouth of the Hokitika River, is Hokitika with a population of 3078. . Take a leisurely paced journey through the West Coast, visiting lakes as you make your way down south from Lake Brunner through to Haast. Adjacent to SH6 south of Fox Glacier. 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. Download Hokitika River Mouth stock photos. The lower reaches see salmon in the early part of the year. 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.