Methods: Some spin fishing is possible in the larger pools following freshes but high water clarity during summer means it is more suited to the fly fisher. Hokitika, on the bar-bound mouth of the Hokitika River, on the West Coast of the South Island, sprang into life in 1864 when gold was found at her back door and despite its hazardous entrance and the snags that infested the river Hokitika was officially gazetted as a port on 8 March 1865 by the Canterbury Provincial Government who was desperate . Moana is a town that sits on the edge of Lake Brunner near Greymouth, West Coast. Lake Ianthe, just short of Hari Hari township, is a stunning jewel of a lake and home of some big brown trout. It contains browns, rainbows and perch. In addition to lakes, the West Coast has many good salmon rivers, such as the Taramakau, Hokitika and Haast. 3 likes. Select a region to discover the role of local Fish & Game Council, find freshwater fishing and game bird hunting information specific to that region. Trolling near the outlet during summer is popular. Foot access is available to the right of the boat ramp along the lake edge. The annual salmon run in the Hokitika River is estimated at 200-500 fish. Use weighted flies in the deeper or faster water. Some sea-run salmon arrive between January and April. It is situated, oddly enough, at the mouth of the Grey River (named after a politician not the colour), a broad 120 kilometre alpine drainpipe into the Tasman Sea. The river and its tributaries offer a range of different fishing experiences for all skill levels. Good early season tidal water for sea-run browns, especially when main river is in flood. This is real white-baiting country and fishing is outstanding from Jackson Bay. 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 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. Discover Gold Rush Relics and Pan for Gold! October 10, 2022 September 21, 2022 by Brent Pollock. Imagine casting your line into a breathtaking limestone canyon filled with turquoise blue waters. Here is a list of Hokitika attractions voted amongst the best things to do in Hokitika. Travellers on this route also have the opportunity to fish the Haupiri River. Fishing the surf is also an option at river mouths along the coast. Good access for most of its length off SH73. Was lucky to witness seeing a river mouth run thick with kahawai. thekiwibushman, 5, February 2018 5, February 2018, Fishing, 2 . You can also use it to keep track of your completed quests, recipes, mounts, companion pets, and titles! (Sth bank) Please ask landowners permission for access. Would you like to be directed to the Local fishing guides offer everything from first-timer lessons to backcountry heli expeditions into remote fishing spots. Went for a look down at the river mouth after the big storm came through. Less populated than most of New Zealand, it is endowed with sublime lakes, streams and rivers from the Grey and Buller rivers and their tributaries to the north to the many coastal lakes to the south providing the perfect conditions to hone or test angling skills. The vivid turquoise water surrounded by lush native bush is well worth a visit. Methods: Fly fishing off the mouths of the few small feeder streams located on the southern side of the lake is the most successful, followed by general trolling. Sizes need to be small. Other articles where Hokitika River is discussed: Hokitika: at the mouth of the Hokitika River, which rises in the Southern Alps and, fed by the Mungo, Whitcombe, and Kokatahi rivers, flows northward 40 miles (64 km) to Westland Bight of the Tasman Sea. Access: Foot access is limited by a forested margin and a boat is recommended. Hokitika River Map. Much of it is accessible by vehicle. Logged catches. Feb 2, 2015 - Hokitika River Mouth, Aerial View, Hokitika. River mouth angling is often very sociable, and I enjoy having a yarn with other anglers on the beach. The upper reaches require some skill to fish. LOCAL AND GENERAL. The lower River and Cobden Lagoon are well suited to kayak fishing, especially . Mapourika is fringed by SH6, 10km north of Franz Josef, and is a productive brown trout and quinnat salmon fishery. If you are targeting the small runs of quinnat salmon try a small 22g silver zed spinner fished on 20 lb monofilament. 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. . "Got him" Phil replied excitedly as the 3kg brown boiled the surface attached to his fly. Or purchase a fishing licence at Reefton Sports Centre, and have a chat to the owner who is a keen fisher. . Spot sporty brown trout in clear mountain streams or stalk the wily ones hiding in the dark forest-stained lakes. Most are in the 2-4lb range however. 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 The Hokitika Angling Club is an active Fishing club who holds fishing days and social events. If in doubt about access ask at nearest farmhouse. Phil caught fish in the Blue river and we fished around the shallow lake edges using my electric positioning motor to search for cruising trout before heading to the Haast pub for dinner. We had four chamois skins on the ground when a busload of tourists disembarked and were fascinated by the thick dark pelts. 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. A short leader of around two meters is all that's needed. Access to the Upper Ahaura is rough and best suited to the fit angler. Brown Trout and Quinnat Salmon can be found in this lake. Lead line is generally used to reach sea-run fish down deep. 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 . The river mouth is at the township of Hokitika and the river runs for many kilometres inland from there. Methods: Nymph and dry fly both work well here. The whitebaiting is a spectacle to watch as 'baiters manoeuvre huge scoop nets. Part of the appeal of South Westland is its 'wildness', which while providing for scenic values, often makes access to good fishing challenging. Lakes Mapourika and a morning on Lake Kanieri were where we fished to 55 fish and caught 21 of them. 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. 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. Brown trout and Salmon occupy a diverse range of habitats between the mountains and the sea including lakes, rivers, spring fed river tributaries and estuaries. Brown trout are present but are seldom caught before hooking a perch. Some of the best fisheries on the West Coast are the lakes and stillwaters because they are stable and largely immune from the effects of flooding. Smelt and large bullies are often very effective in tidal areas. The lake is rich in bird life as well as mining history. Much of the lower reaches are wide and the unstable shingle bed is not an ideal trout environment. 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. There is an abundance of wildlife and tours to view fur seals, Hectors Dolphins and Fiordland Crested Penguins. (Call at Karamea information centre for more on this area). Take your pick. The middle reaches are accessible off Kokatahi Road which leads through Kowhitirangi to the Hokitika Gorge. Journey further into Glacier Country for the next leg of your fishing adventure. On the last fish, I told Phil to leave his cast on the water. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Hokitika River emerges from the Southern Alps and flows northwest, entering the Tasman Sea 64 km later at Hokitika. Unlike the other Fishing Holes, River Mouth is always available: There are five known Fishing Holes. Many of the rivers support trout populations and sea-run salmon turn up in local lakes and rivers from January. Contains a resident brown trout population and sea-run salmon from December to March. 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. Today. Mucking around on the side of the river, no whitebait were harmed in the making of this video. This is a new nationally consistent season to help protect fish stocks. These are the Kaniere, the Kokatahiand its tributaries the Styx and the Toaroha, and the Whitcombe. Look for West Coast Fishing Guides here. In 1866, the Hokitika bar claimed an average of one vessel every 10 weeks, and to reach Okarito ships had to cross a second bar, at the entrance to the lagoon. 252 Beachside Motels & Holiday Park, Hokitika. Haupiri contains brown trout and is located 42km from Greymouth. Perch. This is a river of many moods and has the added bonus of the excellent scenery. Good sized trout may be expected, also salmon from January - April. The visiting angler can expect a few Chinook salmon to be present in the Hokitika River from late December to April. Old Arnold Road between the Arnold River and Arnold Valley Rd. Two Fishing Holes are active each week; River Mouth in Waking Shores is always one of the two. This example, the River Mouth Fishing Hole, is located in the Ruby Life Pools. Went for a look down at the river mouth after the big storm came through. The Waitahu provides opportunities for spotting and stalking trout in a particularly scenic setting. Watch. 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. Spin fishers do best with a bully or smelt imitation, although standard patterns such as the silver slice and toby can also be effective. krito is a coastal settlement with stunning wetlands to explore. Peterson Road (turn off at Harihari) follows the lower river giving access to tidal water, a short walk from road end. Last year, we fished extensively around the Lake Brunner region, often using my boat for access to the many surrounding lakes with great success. The Hokitika Gorge is 33kms from Hokitika. Good numbers of medium sized brown trout are plentiful in the early to mid part of the season and sea-runners inhabit lower reaches before migrating up river later. Peterson Road (turn off at Harihari) follows the lower river giving access to tidal water, a short walk from road end. Rai River Annual releases of large rainbow trout in this river (at this point). Share this. Fly fishing is favoured but all methods are successful. Sea Run Salmon turn up in the regions lakes and rivers from January with numbers peaking in March. Hoping to get off greymouth into the trench an target some puka an bluenose, dont suppose you might be able to shed some light on the bar crossing an rough areas to target? If you're after a chance to fish for wild trout, the lakes of the West Coast are perfect for you. This is a popular fishing spot for crayfish, groper, blue cod, and tarakihi, along with kilometres of surfcasting beaches for snapper, kahawai and gurnard. The red flashing dot shows the tide time right now. Evening fishing is usually best in mid to late summer when insect hatches peak. . 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. fishing in Ruatapu (2.2 km) | fishing in Seaview (2.9 km) | fishing in Awatuna (11 km) | fishing in Kumara Junction (21 km) | fishing in Ross (22 km) | fishing in Kakapotahi (36 km) | fishing in Greymouth (37 km) | fishing in Point Elizabeth (40 km) | fishing in Rapahoe (45 km) | fishing in Nine Mile (48 km) | fishing in Harihari (56 km), TIDES4FISHING | WEATHER FORECAST IN HOKITIKA RIVER | NEXT 7 DAYS, Plan now and enjoy your activities at sea with the tides4fishing app, Forecast in Hokitika River for the next 7 days. 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. A delightful spring fed tributary of the Wanganui River. between Stillwater and Moana. As with Paringa a boat is useful, but lake-edge fishing is available at various points adjacent to S/H6 and, in low conditions, around the Northern margin. . Copyright NZFishing.com All Rights Reserved | Site and hosting by iConcept.co.nz. The Hokitika rises in the Southern Alps . A unique little restaurant in a perfect location at Jacksons Bay, Haast. Greymouth. Download the client and get started. For insider knowledge on Reeftons top secret spots, check in with local fishing guide Bryan Wilson. Fish either up or downstream. Adjacent to SH6 south of Fox Glacier. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Major fishing times From 9:06am to 11:06am Opposing lunar transit (moon down) From 9:17pm . The West Coast Fish & Game Region extends from Kahurangi Point, north of Karamea, to Awarua Point south of Haast. Access: A boat ramp is available off SH6 at southern end of the lake. A 45 minute drive from Hokitika on the Hokitika River. Foot access is available over the Arnold river foot bridge at Moana village. Salmon Farm licensed caf specializing in fresh and smoked salmon products. VLOG 236 Durville Island Olivers wish fishing trip, Adventure VLOG 202 Fishing? 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). The climate can be savage, often with heavy rainfall and huge swollen rivers, but at times the weather gods can relent with outbreaks of bright sunshine and low clear, silver rivers. The Hokitika rises in the Southern Alps and flows north west to enter the Tasman Sea at Hokitika township. Upper catchments of these rivers are truly wild and scenic and difficult to reach. We're not around right now. A narrow, rugged and largely untamed strip 400km long and barely 30km wide, the West Coast is home to just 32,000 people. The best water is downstream of SH6. As always fly size and presentation are the keys to success. Family friendly and suitable for all abilities. Methods: A boat is necessary to fish the lake successfully. "Members . It is always worth casting for sea-run brown trout near the river mouth. Feb 2, 2015 - Hokitika River Mouth, Aerial View, Hokitika. Spinning is effective during freshes, particularly in lower reaches. The trolling is every bit as good with a record 44 hooked on one day. Whitebait Report Mid September 2013 . Nymphs: In the upper reaches small flies are recommended such as a gold bead Hare and Copper or Pheasants Tail (sizes 14 - 16). Fishing Techniques: Many of the rivers mentioned support trout populations which fluctuate depending on the time of year. Physical Address:2 Bert Mercer Drive, Hokitika 7810, Postal Address:2 Bert Mercer Drive, Hokitika 7810. Hokitika Gorge Walk. Access is difficult due to the forest terrain and steep river gradient but try near the source (Lake Mapourika outlet) and near Zalas Creek (Power house) confluence, 15mins drive from Franz Josef. . Fishing Hokitika Trench. The Hokitika River provides good back-country fishing for large rainbow trout in the upper reaches and has a good population of brown trout in the middle reaches.