West Coast > Fishing Access

Fish & Game New Zealand’s West Coast region extends 800km from Kahurangi Point, north of Karamea, to Awarua Point south of Haast. In between lies some 2 million hectares of land, much of it wilderness and containing a huge diversity of angling opportunity. Visitors tell us that sports fishing is a more challenging experience on the ‘Coast than in more populated or developed parts of the country. With the pressures of modern life, increasing numbers of anglers rate a natural environment and peace and solitude almost as highly as the opportunity to fish for wild trout. On the ‘Coast these attributes exist in abundance.

Brown trout on the West Coast occupy a diverse range of habitats from headwater tributaries to the estuarine portion of river mouths. Scenic lakes and spring fed river tributaries are also a feature of the region. Barriers to angler access are, for the most part, dictated only by climate and terrain.

The following guide, by necessity, is limited to more popular or accessible waters. It represents only a fraction of the region’s angling opportunities. A good West Coast map is recommended for visitors intending to get the most from a fishing trip to the ‘Coast.

LAKES

Lake Brunner

Located 25km from Greymouth. Follow SH7 to Stillwater then turn off on to the Arnold Valley Rd to Moana. Lake Brunner contains brown trout averaging 1.1kgs and is the most popular angling water in the region.

Foot access is available over the Arnold river foot bridge at Moana village.

To reach Iveagh Bay continue past Moana and turn off onto Cashmere Bay Rd. This leads to the lake edge. Various access points are available at Mitchells, a 38km drive from Moana. Foot access to Carew Bay and Bain Bay via track starting at boat ramp.

Boat launching facilities are available at Moana, Iveagh Bay and Mitchells. Successful trolling can be had along the margins of Lake Brunner, mainly from the foot of Te Kinga Hill through to Clematis Bay. Trolling near the outlet during summer is popular. Fly fishing from shore at the lake outlet during early morning or late evening or at the mouth of Crooked and Hohonu Rivers during the day for cruising fish works well. Fly fishing from boat over the shallow weed beds between Orangipuku and Te Kinga is recommended. The best spinning is at the lake outlet or along the western shore where the water is a little deeper.

Lake Poerua

Lake Poerua is a 24km drive from Moana or 8km from the turn off at Jacksons SH73. Brown trout average 1.8 kgs and are normally well conditioned.

There is only one access point for the launching of small boats. Foot access is available to the right of the boat ramp along the lake edge. Off road parking is available at the boat ramp.

Trolling and harling is successful over most of the lake. Fly fishing is productive but a boat is a distinct advantage. Popular locations are near the narrow neck half way up the lake and around shallow margins.

Lake Haupiri

Haupiri contains brown trout and is located 42km from Greymouth. Follow SH7 to Ngahere, turn right onto Nelson Creek Rd.

Foot access is very limited due to rough terrain and a boat is almost essential. Launching ramp is located towards the eastern end of the lake.

Fly fishing off the mouths of the small feeder streams located on the southern side of the lake provides the best opportunity, although trolling is productive when the lake level is suitable.

Lake Mapourika

Mapourika is adjacent to SH6, 10km north of Franz Josef and is a productive brow trout and quinnat salmon fishery. Lake resident salmon can be expected in the 1-2kg range and sea runners arrive from December to the end of March. Fish of 6-8 kg are common.

In calm conditions large brown trout are easily spotted cruising lake margins. Use a bully imitation if fly fishing or small dark lure when spinning. Deep water trolling is most productive for salmon. Best spots are along the western fringe south of the lake 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. Foot access is available to the mouth of McDonalds Creek (turn off at SH6 bridge at the northern end of the lake) Because most fish are hooked close to the bottom, a slow retrieve is recommended. Please refer to Regulations in front of this guide for season and bag limits.

Lake Paringa

This lake is adjacent to SH6 south of Fox Glacier. Paringa is well stocked with 1 to 2 kg brown trout. The lake resident salmon population is smaller than in Mapourika, but sea-run salmon appear from December on.

There is a boat ramp at Jamie Creek beside the camping area. Foot access is limited to the area at the mouth of Jamie Creek.

The shallow margins near the lake outlet suit harling or fishing with light lures for trout. Salmon are mostly taken off the mouth of the Windbag Stream. Lead line is generally used to reach sea-run fish down deep. Use a large silver lure or black/green and gold when the water is discoloured.

Lake Mahinapua

Turn off SH6 at Mahinapua Hotel 12km south of Hokitika. Perch up to 1kg abound in the lake and outlet creek providing excellent angling for kids. Some trout are present but are seldom caught before hooking a perch.

Boat launching available at Shanghai Bay. Foot access is limited to the foreshore at the bay or part way around the Lake Mahinapua Walkway.

A boat is necessary to fish the lake successfully. Jigging or coloured spinners work best. Fishing from the shore is limited to the jetty and adjacent shoreline. The weedy margins make shore angling difficult but good fishing can be had on the deep side of weed beds.

Lake Ianthe

Lake Ianthe is south of Ross on SH6 near Pukekura and is an excellent brown trout fishery. This lake produces beautifully marked fish up to 2.5 kg.

A ramp is off SH6 at the southern end of the lake. Foot access is very limited.

Prolific weed beds make deep trolling difficult near the edges, but harling with a feathered lure can be successful. The deeper water is suitable for trolling a spinning lure with light nylon. Fly casting to cruising fish under the bush fringed margin is a good method in suitable conditions. Watch for subtle rises near the weed beds and fish an unweighted nymph, otherwise bully imitation.

Lake Moeraki

A scenic gem situated between Paringa and Haast on S/H 6. A boat is almost a necessity here, although cruising fish can often be spotted from the road near the western margin. For flyfishers a bully imitation is the staple lure, but trout will rise to terrestrials. Lake resident salmon also inhabit this water.

RIVERS (NORTH OF GREYMOUTH)

Karamea area

Lower reaches of the Karamea River up to the gorge may be accessed via farm land on either side of river but please leave gates as you find them. North River mouth access available via Karamea Holiday Park or South from Flagstaff Rd. Upper reaches accessible from the Karamea gorge walking route.

Little Wanganui River offers good fishing from the Wangapeka Valley or Blue Duck (Sth. bank) Please ask landowner’s permission for access. Mouth accessible from Little Wanganui Hotel (Nth. bank) or via the subdivision road. Upper catchments of these rivers are truly wild and scenic requiring a minor expedition or helicopter to reach. (Call at Karamea information centre for more on this area, also Mokihinui catchment.)

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. Mid-summer ‘blind’ dry fly fishing can also be rewarding.

Arnold River

The Arnold (Lake Brunner outlet) joins the Grey River 15kms from Greymouth at Stillwater. It holds a high population of medium sized brown trout and is usually fishable in all but extreme weather conditions. There are several marked access points along the Arnold Valley Rd:

1. Kokiri Bridge adjacent to the freezing works. Access is available up and downstream.

2. Old Arnold Road between the Arnold River and Arnold Valley Rd. Two access locations are marked along this road.

3. Upstream of Arnold Creek (signposted).

4. Below the Arnold Dam (Salmon Dec – March).

5. Aratika, which is sign posted on the gate. Contact R.L. or D.M. Milne on 03 738 0038.

6. Arnold River Bridge near Aratika. Fish either up or downstream.

7. Kotoku; turn off the road following the true right of the Molloy Creek.

8. Moana Footbridge at the outlet of Lake Brunner. This is best fished in the evening.

The Arnold is popular with fly anglers especially during the prolific evening hatches of Oct/Nov and March/April. Flyfishing is favoured but all methods are successful. Bait fishing is popular in the upper reaches.

Lower Grey River

The lower Grey River catch rate is amongst the highest in the region. There are numerous medium sized brown trout for the taking in the lower river and larger trout in the tributaries which are fisheries in their own right. Salmon are also taken after Christmas in the section of the Grey between Omoto and Ahaura, however the size of the run varies markedly from year to year.

Excellent access is available with roading on both sides of the river up to Ikamatua. Popular access points are Greymouth, Omoto Racecourse, Taylorville, Stillwater Bridge, Matai, Blackball, Ahaura, Totara Flat and Ikamatua. Where the river does not run alongside the road, permission must be obtained from landowners to cross their land. Please respect property, fasten gates and leave no litter.

Spin fishing is popular all along the mid and lower Grey River. Bait fishing is also productive in the lower river, but is best early in the season up to late November. Fly fishing is best in the evening when fish often rise to hatches of flies at dusk. Fly fishing with heavy nymphs can be productive during the day, particularly in shallow riffles.

Upper Ahaura and Haupiri Rivers

The Haupiri and Ahaura Rivers both carry good populations of medium to large trout although numbers are fewer in the upper reaches. The best fishing in the Ahaura River is from the Nancy River confluence downstream. In the Haupiri River fish density is highest in the first few kilometres downstream of the lake outlet.

Turn off the Greymouth – Reefton highway at Ngahere and travel through Nelson Creek and on to Kopara (sign-posted). The Haupiri River will be crossed 1km past Lake Haupiri. Further on this road leads to the upper Ahaura and tributaries such as the Trent and Waiheke.

Legal access to the upper Haupiri is available only up the riverbed. Alternative arrangements may be made by contacting the landowners on (03) 738 0224. Access to the upper Ahaura is rough and difficult and is best suited to the fit angler. Advance arrangements are recommended by phoning Mr Bill Perry on (03) 738 0221.

These waters are influenced by heavy floods and fish numbers vary, however the mid – Haupiri normally holds good trout numbers and the upper Ahaura consistently produces a few good sized fish.

Mawheraiti River (Little Grey River)

This is a tributary of the Grey River joining at Ikamatua (between Greymouth and Reefton). The Mawheraiti River is a gently flowing tea coloured stream usually holding high numbers of small to medium trout.

Access is available from the Atarau Road Bridge or from both bridges where SH7 crosses the Mawheraiti River. Where the river does not run alongside the road, permission must be obtained from landowners to cross their land.

Fly fishing and bait both work well here. Spinning is effective during freshes, particularly in lower reaches.

Rough River

The Rough also enters the Grey River at Ikamatua and provides challenging fishing for predominantly large brown trout.

The lower reaches are accessed from the Atarau Road Bridge and the upper reaches via Mirfins Road on the true left. Access to the river may be gained via the old sawmill.

Water clarity is usually high and best suits dry fly and nymph techniques for fish that become more wary as the season progresses.

Ohikanui River

The Ohikanui is located 32km east of Westport along SH6. An abundance of large boulders provides excellent cover for a good population of medium to large sized trout.

There are no marked tracks, roads or huts in the Ohikanui, enhancing its value as a remote wilderness fishing experience, although helicopter access occurs in the upper reaches.

The Ohikanui River is particularly popular with fly fishers because of the opportunities for spotting and stalking fish. This river offers good fishing opportunities but is recommended for the more active angler, as a walk is required to reach the best water.

Buller River

The Buller enters the sea at Westport after its long journey from the Nelson Lakes. The Buller River upstream of Lyell lies within the Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game Region. Good numbers of medium sized brown trout are plentiful in the early to mid part of the season and sea-runners inhabit lower reaches.

True Right (Westport town side): Easy access is available from the picnic area at the bridge and above to the domain area. Good access is also possible from Reedy’s Road which is the only turnoff at the end of Victoria Rd. Alternatively, turn left off Victoria Road to Te Kuha.

True Left: The Buller River is easily accessible for many kilometres off the adjacent SH6. Some popular locations are Windy Point, Tiroroa, Hawkes Crag, Stitts Bluff, Whitecliffs, the confluences of the Ohikanui, Ohikaiti, Blackwater and Inangahua Rivers including de Fillippi Creek.

Bait and threadline fishing are the preferred methods in the larger holes and runs, but fly fishing can also be productive especially at evening when trout feed near the surface on hatching nymphs. Side braids, shallow runs and the edges may be fished with a heavier nymph such as Hares Ear or a large stonefly imitation. The Buller near Westport is popular, with good sea run trout regularly taken during the spring as they enter the river during whitebait season. Spin fishers do best with a bully or smelt imitation, although standard patterns such as the silver slice and toby can also be effective. Large wet (streamer type) flies such as Parson’s Glory, Hopes Silvery, Dorothy and Grey Ghost can be effective in the right conditions.

Inangahua River

The Inangahua River flows through forest and farmland to the Buller River upstream of Westport. It is a medium to large river, generally clear with a slight brown tinge during freshes. The Inangahua contains a very good population of trout, mainly medium to small sized but some in the 2-3kg range, particularly late season.

Angling is most popular in the middle reaches, both above and below Reefton. 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. Although there are takable fish in the upper section they are usually outnumbered by smaller trout. Access downstream of Reefton is more difficult, although landowners are usually helpful if asked and there are some ‘Anglers access’ signs in places where access has been negotiated. Brazils, O’Grady, Golf links and the Perseverance Road provide easy access roads directly to the River. The Landing Bridge is another and following the Larry or Waitahu rivers down to the confluence also provides quick access.

All methods work well, with spinning the most popular when the river is high. The mid-section around the Stony confluence is most suited to a heavy nymph fished near the edges. A large dry fly in any popular pattern will often produce a fish from the deeper runs.

Waitahu River

This is the largest of the Inangahua River tributaries and is located approximately 4.5km north of Reefton along SH69. The Waitahu provides opportunities for spotting and stalking trout in a particularly scenic setting.

The best access is along Gannons Road. The tar seal ends at the bridge crossing the Waitahu River and a 4WD is advisable from here on to a point just below the large settling ponds situated on the true left of the Waitahu River. Trout are well distributed throughout and the 4WD track maintains good contact with the true right bank enabling easy access. For the more active a walk to the Montgomerie is recommended. This is a mid-sized tributary offering excellent headwater angling prospects.

Some threadlining is possible in the larger pools following freshes but high water clarity during summer means it is more suited to the fly fisher. Heavy nymph in deeper runs is most effective, but don’t overlook the fish in seemingly impossibly deep holes. They can be tempted to rise.

Larrys River (Awarau River)

Another tributary of the Inangahua, located approximately 15km north of Reefton along SH69. Larrys contains trophy brown trout of 2 to 4 kg.

Turn right off SH69 onto a forestry road. If you prefer to fish upstream drive to the end of the road and stop at the picnic area. Continue by foot along the track which eventually leads back to the river. For downstream fishers access is available directly in front of the picnic area or from the SH69 Bridge.

As for the Waitahu River, fishing is good all season but during summer low flows the required skill level increases.

RIVERS (SOUTH OF GREYMOUTH)

Part of the appeal of South Westland is its unmodified terrain, which while providing for scenic values, often makes access to good fishing difficult. The following information is not a comprehensive list of fishing rivers – in fact it barely scratches the surface of what is available. However, for visitors it is a quick guide to some of the more accessible waters. Anglers intending to fish back country rivers are recommended to contact the Department of Conservation or obtain local knowledge about huts, weather and track conditions.

Many of the rivers mentioned here support trout populations which fluctuate depending on the time of year. 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. Smaller streams generally fish best in early season before water temperatures increase and trout become active for shorter periods. Evening fishing is usually best in mid to late summer when insect hatches peak.

Spin anglers are advised to use light line (3kg max.) and small (7g) lures where circumstances permit, especially in clear water and during low flows. Popular colours are green and gold, black and gold, black, or silver near river mouths. Bait fishing is permitted in all waters. Smelt and large bullies are often very effective in tidal areas.

When fly fishing, a range of nymph sizes and weights is recommended depending on the water. Heavy Hare and Copper, stonefly or similar is 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.

Good streamer patterns for estuary fishing include Parsons Glory, Grey Ghost and Yellow Dorothy. After dark try Red Shadow, Black Hairy Dog or Dark Hopes Silvery. Commonly used dry flies include Deer Hair, Mole Fly or a similar good floater for big water, Adams, Khaki Queen or Blue Dun for smaller water. Fly size and presentation are the keys to success.

Taramakau River

Good access for most of its length off SH73. Brown trout are present throughout; rainbows are present in the headwaters. Sea run salmon arrive late December. (refer regulations for season duration) The stretch of river between Jacksons and Kumara is ideal for quick stops.

Hokitika River

Easy access is available in the lower reaches that are usually well stocked with 1-2kg browns and sea-runners early season. Sea-run salmon are present between January and April. The middle reaches are accessible off Kokatahi Road which leads through Kowhiterangi to the Hokitika Gorge. Rainbows are present in the upper reaches and in the Whitcombe tributary, 1-2 hours walk from road end. Accessible mid section tributaries include Kokatahi, Styx and Toaroha River.

Murray and Harris Creeks

Smaller spring fed streams accessible from Kokatahi/Kowhiterangi Rd. Brown trout between 1-3kg are typical. Catch and release is recommended.

Mahinapua Creek

Enters the Hokitika near the mouth on the south side. The best access is via Golf Links Road. Turn hard right over Mahinapua Creek Bridge. Good early season fishing for sea-run browns, especially when main river is in flood.

Mikonui River

The lower reaches are best for the casual angler. Easy access can be had to the tidal portion at SH6 Bridge.

Waitaha River

The section of river from the mouth to two or three km below SH6 is best. Turn west at the north end of main road bridge.

Wanganui River

The lower reaches are best with access via Wanganui Flat Road (turn off at Harihari). Brown trout and some salmon are present.

Poerua River

The best water is downstream of SH6. Peterson Road (turn off at Harihari) follows the lower river giving access to good fishing for sea-run browns, and in some years for salmon.

La Fontaine

A delightful spring fed tributary of the Wanganui River. Access is available at various marked points off La Fontaine Road (turn off at Harihari). The upper section is accessible off Petersons Rd. If in doubt about access ask at nearest farmhouse. An abundance of brown trout around 1 to 3 kg but can be challenging for inexperienced anglers.

Waitangi-Taona

A medium sized river, which flows crystal clear in normal conditions. Good trout numbers in the lower section which is easily accessible from the Lower Whataroa Flat Rd. Turn off at Whataroa and the follow signs to ‘White Heron Sanctuary Tours’ boat launching ramp. Approximately 4 to 5km of good water are available above and below this point.

Okarito River

The Okarito contains a good brown trout population and sea-run salmon from December to March. Access is difficult due to the forest terrain but try near the source (Lake Mapourika outlet) and near Zalas Creek (Power house) confluence, 15mins drive from Franz Josef.

Recommended rivers further south include the Paringa, Jacobs, Okuru, Turnbull and Jacksons. Most major river mouths and estuarine areas in South Westland fish well for sea-run browns during spring and early summer. Feathered lures representing whitebait, smelt and other forage fish are effective. Darker patterned lures work best in discoloured water or at night. Access to upper and lower sections of most rivers south of Fox Glacier is complex and usually only possible with the benefit of local advice.