Access to the Upper Ahaura is rough and best suited to the fit angler. Police said the Te Puke man had been fishing. 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 . The Awarua supports good numbers of medium to large trout and some of 'trophy' size. Rai River Annual releases of large rainbow trout in this river (at this point). Posted by July 3, 2022 keto crab rangoon with mozzarella cheese on hokitika river mouth fishing July 3, 2022 keto crab rangoon with mozzarella cheese on hokitika river mouth fishing 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. bank) or via the subdivision Rd. This is a popular fishing spot for crayfish, groper, blue cod, and tarakihi, along with kilometres of surfcasting beaches for snapper, kahawai and gurnard. Smaller spring fed streams accessible from Kokatahi/Kowhitirangi Rd. If you dont have a boat, Franz Josef Wilderness Tours has the perfect solution for a fun family or friends fishing expedition. Accessible mid section tributaries include Kokatahi, Styx and Toaroha River. The lower reaches are less suited to nymphing but should anglers still wish to pursue this method use large dark nymphs with some weight. The lake is rich in bird life as well as mining history. . Caught, hooked, netted, trapped, trolled, gathered or just eaten fishing tales are legendary around the West Coast. Kayak, Cruise or Fish with us on Lake Mapourika. Feathered lures representing whitebait, smelt and other forage fish are effective. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The good news is that many West Coast cafs and restaurants feature whitebait on their menus. Large wet (streamer type) flies such as Parsons Glory, Hopes Silvery, Dorothy and Grey Ghost can be effective in the right conditions, especially at night. 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. The author with a kahawai taken on a saltwater fly off the Arawata River mouth. Access: Angling is most popular in the middle reaches, both above and below Reefton. Reefton is famous for some of the best brown trout fishing in the South Island, no wonder as there are 12 pristine river systems to choose from within a 40-minute drive. Kokiri Bridge adjacent to the freezing works. Watch for subtle rises near the weed beds and fish an unweighted nymph, otherwise bully imitation fished wet. 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. 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. 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. This website will not function correctly without javascript, Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers & Glacier Country, 2018 Leading Light Award Winners and Finalists, 2022 Leading Light Award Winners and Finalists. Went for a look down at the river mouth after the big storm came through. If you're after a chance to fish for wild trout, the lakes of the West Coast are perfect for you. Methods: Spin fishing is popular all along the mid and lower Grey River. 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. Two Fishing Holes are active each week; River Mouth in Waking Shores is always one of the two. Whitebait Report Mid September 2013 . The lower river is wide in parts and well suited to spin fishing if you are seeking to cover plenty of holding water. Mucking around on the side of the river, no whitebait were harmed in the making of this video. Mosey on down through to Hokitika. Much of it is accessible by vehicle. 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. Alternatively, head to the river where there is also a public gold fossicking area. Please note that McDonalds creek is closed to angling year-round. Regional Site? Enjoy two guided walks around the town, bush, lake and historic gold ruins of Ross. We both knew the siren call of the rivers and lakes of the West Coast would continue to draw us back again and again but the fabled alpine waters of the Otago high country were just around the corner. 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). From Haast to Jackson Bay there are empty shingle beaches, dunes, lakes and wetlands, all with the soaring backdrop of the Southern Alps making it an outdoor enthusiast's playground. 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. If you're looking to throw bait, clams or sea worms on a fish-finder rig, a 3- to 4-ounce weight will do . These include Wall Rd, Stopbank Rd and Whitcombe Rd. It is about 64 kilometers (40 mi) long, beginning in the Southern Alps, emerging from the narrow Hokitika Gorge after merging with the Whitcombe River, and flowing into the Tasman Sea just south of the town of Hokitika.The river then feeds into the offshore Hokitika Canyon, which merges with the Cook Canyon to form the . 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. Look for West Coast Fishing Guides here. 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. It contains browns, rainbows and perch. In this time we fished major rivers and their tributaries, like the Karamea, Mohikinui, Buller, Grey, Taramakau, Hokitika, Wanganui, Whataroa, Paringa, and lakes galore. Many of the rivers support trout populations and sea-run salmon turn up in local lakes and rivers from January. "One skin, two skin, three skin, foreskin" Neil counted out loud to our great mirth at the time. The West Coast has so many rivers and lakes because it is a narrow belt of land sandwiched between surging coastline and high steep mountains, which trap rainfall blowing in from over the Tasman Sea. Upstream, particularly above the Hokitika Gorge, it is true wilderness fishing and some of the rainbows are quite big fish! There is an abundance of wildlife and tours to view fur seals, Hectors Dolphins and Fiordland Crested Penguins. Lead line is generally used to reach sea-run fish down deep. Guests at Wilderness Lodge on the shores of Lake Moeraki can hire fishing gear to try their luck on Lake Moeraki. North River mouth access available via Karamea Holiday Park or South from Flagstaff Rd. software testing jobs in australia with visa sponsorship; goldsboro nc arrests; penalty for stealing prescription drugs. Methods: Prolific weed beds make deep trolling difficult near the edges, but harling with a feathered lure is a popular method. Boat Fishing: A popular method for trout and salmon in lakes. Part of the appeal of South Westland is its 'wildness', which while providing for scenic values, often makes access to good fishing challenging. Salmon from January to April. Don't miss this incredible location. Jackson Bay is a working fishing port and a popular fishing spot in summer, it's a great place to catch crayfish and just meander. purnell's old folks all natural country sausage patties. Backcountry fishing for rainbow trout in the Hokitika River is quite challenging and requires a fair bit of walking. Mid river reaches accessible from the Karamea gorge walking route. 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. Salmon Farm licensed caf specializing in fresh and smoked salmon products. Foot access is available over the Arnold river foot bridge at Moana village. Kotoku; turn off the road following the true right of the Molloy Creek. Most are in the 2-4lb range however. In the case of waterways with private land adjoining, where there is no marked access please ask at the nearest farm house. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Backcountry fishing for rainbow trout in the Hokitika River is quite challenging and requires a fair bit of walking. Show all catches. Salmon Farm licensed caf specializing in fresh and smoked salmon products. Brown trout between 1-3kg are typical. Had a few scoops. Hokitika backcountry rainbows. "Members . Even in the late 20th century the bar of the Grey River was claiming lives. VLOG 236 Durville Island Olivers wish fishing trip, Adventure VLOG 202 Fishing? Suitable both spinning and fly fishing in lower reaches, dry or nymph from about 1 hour's walk upstream. To gain access to the upper reaches of both rivers, landowners must be contacted in advance. There can be a good evening rise in the middle reaches during the summer months. Easy access is available in the lower reaches which usually hold 1-2kg browns and sea-runners in early season. Goes without saying but just about any beach on the West Coast is good for surfcasting. It is a medium to large river, generally clear with a slight brown tinge during freshes. Imagine casting your line into a breathtaking limestone canyon filled with turquoise blue waters. 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. Approximately 4 to 5km of good water are available above and below this point. About 15 minutes south of Hokitika is Lake Mahinapua, rich in history and breathtaking views. Also thanks to Flynn Jack for putting him onto a Snapper, also Craig and Kathy from . Access to the river may be gained via the old sawmill. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you. If river fishing is your preference, both Hokitika river and Mahinapua creek offer spin and fly fishing for trout . Welcome to Hokitika, cool little town. The middle reaches provide a wide variety of fishing waters that will suit all anglers and methods. Youll find current fishing regulations, water opening periods, and bag limits at the West Coast Fish & Game link also. . 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. Some sea-run salmon arrive between January and April. The Haast river itself offers some fishing but it is a massive river, better fished down near the mouth for sea run trout. 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. A good West Coast Map is recommended for visitors intending to get the most from a fishing trip to the Coast'. For salmon white or silver lures are recommended or black/green and gold when the water is discoloured. Take a leisurely paced journey through the West Coast, visiting lakes as you make your way down south from Lake Brunner through to Haast. Bait fishing is also permitted in all waters on the West Coast as is the use of boats. The grey shading corresponds to nighttime hours between sunset and sunrise at Hokitika. Good streamer patterns for estuary fishing include Parsons Glory, Grey Ghost and Yellow Dorothy. The lower reaches are best for the casual angler. Any Adams, Greenwell's Glory or Mole Fly can be effective and during the early summer a Green Beetle or a Cicadapattern from late summer work well during the day when the trout are feeding on these larger morsels. Evening fishing is usually best in mid to late summer when insect hatches peak. The whitebaiting is a spectacle to watch as 'baiters manoeuvre huge scoop nets. 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. Hokitika River. 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. Foot access is available to Carew Bay and Bain Bay via track, starting at boat ramp. The walk is a short one at 15 minutes, but it definitely packs a lot in over that time. To reach Iveagh Bay continue past Moana and turn off onto Cashmere Bay Rd. For salmon large zed-spinners in silver, yellow or white are a popular choice. It is always worth casting for sea-run brown trout near the river mouth. The best access is via Golf Links Road. 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. 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. Mosey on down through to Hokitika. 126 people like this. Methods: In calm conditions (generally early morning and evening) large brown trout are easily spotted cruising lake margins. With the closure of yet another trout fishing season close upon us, it's been special to reflect upon West Coast travels over the past seven months where we fished between Karamea township and Haast. This television report tells of the loss of the fishing boat, Craig Ewan, on 2 August 1993. Chao-Ching Lee, 35, died at the Kaituna River mouth on June 25. A little further south is Lake Ianthe. If you just want a feed of salmon (you can feed them too) then visit the Salmon Farm and Cafe, just south of Fox Glacier. 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! Hokitika. It covers the area immediately offshore from Ship Creek, which is also known as Tauparikk in Mori.. Access: Turn off the Greymouth Reefton highway at Ngahere, travel through Nelson Creek and on to Kopara (sign-posted). This is real white-baiting country and fishing is outstanding from Jackson Bay. 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. If you catch a tagged fish please report to Fish & Game 03 544 6382. Tourism has done wonders over recent decades for the facilities and services available to travellers and the next morning Phil got me to line up a glacier heli-flight for us both. 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. The lake resident salmon population is smaller than in Mapourika, but sea-run salmon appear from January on. It holds a high population of medium sized brown trout and is usually fishable in all but extreme flows. The mid-section around the Stony confluence is most suited to a heavy nymph fished near the edges. About 15 minutes south of Hokitika is Lake Mahinapua, rich in history and breathtaking views. Available for both RF and RM licensing. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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 Inangahua River flows through forest and farmland to the Buller River near the Inangahua settlement. 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 . Fish either up or downstream. Most major river mouths and estuarine areas in South Westland fish well for sea-run browns during spring and early summer. A 45 minute drive from Hokitika on the Hokitika River. The Hokitika River is in the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. The 2-hour Point Elizabeth Walk passes through a scenic reserve and old gold mining sites. The visiting angler can expect a few Chinook salmon to be present in the Hokitika River from late December to April. Best fishing times for Hokitika River Bar today Today is an average fishing day. Although there are medium sized fish in the upper section, they are usually outnumbered by smaller trout. River fishing and trolling in South Westland lakes is popular. Please respect property, fasten gates and leave no litter. Tragedy on Greymouth bar. This website will not function correctly without javascript, Franz Josef & Fox Glaciers & Glacier Country, Adults $109 Here at Shades of Jade we are proud to showcase Pounamu that is 100% genuine West Coast Pounamu. It offers plenty of good fly fishing upstream. Unlike the other Fishing Holes, River Mouth is always available: There are five known Fishing Holes. This is a river of many moods and has the added bonus of the excellent scenery. Screenshots containing UI elements are generally declined on sight, the same goes for screenshots from the modelviewer or character selection screen. River mouth angling is often very sociable, and I enjoy having a yarn with other anglers on the beach. Much of it is accessible by vehicle. Physical Address:2 Bert Mercer Drive, Hokitika 7810, Postal Address:2 Bert Mercer Drive, Hokitika 7810. Hokitika is the only beachside, full-service town centre on the West Coast. Lake Kaniere, 18 kilometres east of Hokitika, is a glacial lake, used for boating, kayaking and fishing . Good early season tidal water for sea-run browns, especially when main river is in flood. Good access is also possible from Reedys Road which is the only turnoff at the end of Victoria Rd. Methods: All methods work well, with spinning the most popular when the river is high. Glow Worm Dell. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. If you prefer the fly rod in the lower reaches for brown trout try a Parsons Glory or Yellow Rabbit. Feb 2, 2015 - Hokitika River Mouth, Aerial View, Hokitika. Again any Pheasant Tail variant or Hares Ear or Stone Fly patterns work well. 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. Adjacent to SH6 south of Fox Glacier. Old Arnold Road between the Arnold River and Arnold Valley Rd. The red flashing dot shows the tide time right now. Lake Poerua is a 24km drive from Moana or 8km from the turn off at Jacksons SH73. Darker patterned lures work best in discoloured water or at night. LOCAL AND GENERAL. It offers a range of retail, banking and other services, including Pounamu (jade), gold and other minerals. Catch your own lunch off the long wharf, the West Coasts only natural deep-water wharf, or dine at the iconic Craypot Cafe beside the beach which reopens each September after the winter hibernation. Tide Times are NZDT (UTC +13.0hrs). There is very good access from both banks, especially below the highway bridge. Milne on 03 738 0038. a fishing and farming village at the east end of the Hong Kong-China border. 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. Located by the sea, at the mouth of Hokitika River, Hokitika is the largest town in Westland District. For insider knowledge on Reeftons top secret spots, check in with local fishing guide Bryan Wilson. 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 . The deeper water is suitable for trolling a spinning lure with light nylon. Methods: Successful trolling can be had along the margins of Lake Brunner, mainly from the foot of Te Kinga Hill through to Clematis Bay. Hokitika is lucky enough to have some incredible natural features which includes the Hokitika Gorge. 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. This is a popular fishery close to a population centre so catch and release is requested. 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. 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.