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. Franz and Fox Glacier are always fun hamlets to drive through and this trip we stayed at Fox, enjoying fine dining just metres away from our motel accommodation. 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). The lower reaches are best with access via Wanganui Flat Road (turn off at Harihari). Here is a list of Hokitika attractions voted amongst the best things to do in Hokitika. 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. 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. New ZealandMetService weather forecast for Hokitika. Disembark the TranzAlpine train at Greymouth and pick up your car hire, or book at Greymouth i-site for your fishing adventure in this brown trout mecca. 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? The West Coast Fish & Game Region extends from Kahurangi Point, north of Karamea, to Awarua Point south of Haast. Logged catches. Good access is also possible from Reedys Road which is the only turnoff at the end of Victoria Rd. 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. Good trout numbers in the lower section which is easily accessible from the Lower Whataroa Flat Rd. 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 . Scenic Air Tour with Wilderness Wings. The lower Grey River itself has large sea-run trout in it from September to December, with fish up to 5kg encountered. Hokitika, Greymouth and Westport - the river ports of the South Island's West Coast - have always been dangerous for shipping. Quirky church turned West Coast fishing lodge, West Coast could see snapper catch increased, Two youths arrested, charged with murder in relation to fatal Auckland assault, Chiefs score fastest-ever Super Rugby try in 52-29 win over Moana Pasifika, Christchurch council wants super city, warning NZ has reached 'peak rates', Owner denies boarded up caf closed because of wage arrears: Vows to re-open, Be warned: mistakes on census forms can't be corrected or updated, Recap: Moana Pasifika vs Chiefs - Super Rugby Pacific, Quiz: Afternoon trivia challenge: March 4, 2023, 'We can be proud': Crusaders wanted to win for grieving Scott Robertson, Wellington Phoenix cry foul after Brisbane Roar player escapes red card then sets up late equaliser. These are the Kaniere, the Kokatahiand its tributaries the Styx and the Toaroha, and the Whitcombe. Spin fishers do best with a bully or smelt imitation, although standard patterns such as the silver slice and toby can also be effective. Many of the rivers support trout populations and sea-run salmon turn up in local lakes and rivers from January. Methods: A boat is necessary to fish the lake successfully. 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. There is very good access from both banks, especially below the highway bridge. Tide Times are NZDT (UTC +13.0hrs). Turn off SH6 at Mahinapua Hotel 12km south of Hokitika. 30 minutes north of Hokitika on SH6 is Greymouth. Backcountry fishing for rainbow trout in the Hokitika River is quite challenging and requires a fair bit of walking. Snapper can even be caught from the beach behind Hokitika township on occasion. HOKITIKA WALKS. The upper section is accessible off Petersons Rd. Travellers on this route also have the opportunity to fish the Haupiri River. You can do quests and set open nets at all of them that are available. Methods: Trolling and harling is successful over most of the lake. (Call at Karamea information centre for more on this area). Brown and rainbow trout plus some salmon in the lower reaches. Hokitika is the only beachside, full-service town centre on the West Coast. 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. Unlike the other Fishing Holes, River Mouth is always available: There are five known Fishing Holes. A forested margin generally prevents foot access. With a population of just under 3,000, according to 2021 census numbers, Hokitika is one of the wettest places in all of New Zealand and traces its modern history to the mid 19th century. 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. The Waitahu provides opportunities for spotting and stalking trout in a particularly scenic setting. 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. 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. The middle reaches provide a wide variety of fishing waters that will suit all anglers and methods. Fly Fishing; Ice Fishing; Lake Fishing; River Fishing; About Us; Contact Us; How deep is the Hokitika Trench? Please keep the following in mind when posting a comment: Your comment must be in English or it will be removed. Foot access is limited to the foreshore at the bay or part way around the Lake Mahinapua Walkway. River mouth often provides good fishing . Tauparikk Marine Reserve is a marine reserve located offshore about 20 kilometres (12 mi) north of Haast on the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island. 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. 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. Anglers love the West Coast. A short leader of around two meters is all that's needed. Spinning: Spin anglers are advised to use light line (3kg max.) Fishing Techniques: Many of the rivers mentioned support trout populations which fluctuate depending on the time of year. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. Hokitika Guardian. Hokitika Museum. Available for both RF and RM licensing. Much of it is accessible by vehicle. 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. Required fields are marked *. 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. If spin fishing the middle and lower river good lures to try are black and gold zed spinners and Tobys. A good West Coast Map is recommended for visitors intending to get the most from a fishing trip to the Coast'. A medium sized river, which flows crystal clear in normal conditions. 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. Resident brown trout tend to occupy the middle part of this river. 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. A statutory first offending inebriate who was arrested yesterday, was this this morning fined 10s, the amount of his bail, by Mr R. Galbraith, J.P. Lake Kaniere, 18 kilometres east of Hokitika, is a glacial lake, used for boating, kayaking and fishing . Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. Access is available up and downstream. 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. Phil Clark of Australia with another Lake Moeraki brown trout caught on the fly. The best water is downstream of SH6. 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. It is always worth having a few casts! 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. 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 . The mid-section around the Stony confluence is most suited to a heavy nymph fished near the edges. The lower reaches see salmon in the early part of the year. 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! 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. There are a multitude of outstanding award winning short walks too. The brownies weren't numerous, but this was more than compensated for in the size and body condition of the golden flanked fish. In some spots on this river, they can drive you crazy! Phil and I had a magic morning drive over the mystical Haast Pass with bright sun and bright rivers greeting us at every turn in the road, as rainforest surrounded us and mountains towered high above. 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 . Larger patterns such as a Muddler Minnow or Mrs Simpson also work well when fished deep in the lower reaches and bright patterns such as Grey Ghost or Jack Spratt are good when the whitebait are running.