Share this. Lake Matheson, famous for its picture perfect reflections of Mount Cook & superb views of Fox Glacier. How to catch more whitebait, keeping your bait fresh, tips and techniques. Not a heck of a lot of catching, maybe next time we will hit the target species. Fly fishing is productive but a boat is a definite advantage. Glacier Country is Whataroa, Okarito, Lake Mapourika, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier, Lake Matheson and Gillespies Beach. Good sized trout may be expected, also salmon from January - April. Discover Stewart Nimmos unique West Coast imagery. Further inland the river provides very good habitat for trout and in the upper reaches there is some excellent back-country fishing. 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. Methods: A boat is necessary to fish the lake successfully. Fly fishing is best in the evening when trout often rise to hatches at dusk. Total Views: 965. Join us along the beautiful West Coast highway for your chance to make your own bonecarving. Greymouth. Methods: Trolling and harling is successful over most of the lake. 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. Regional Site? It is always worth casting for sea-run brown trout near the river mouth. 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. A river that caters for all levels of fishing skills though the upper reaches are really only for the more experienced angler. River mouth often provides good fishing for sea-run browns, and in some years, salmon. You should also give Lake Kaniere a try if you have the time. 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. Some sea-run salmon arrive between January and April. The Hokitika River is in the West Coast of the South Island of New Zealand. 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. 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. The Arnold exits Lake Brunner before joining the Grey River 15kms from Greymouth at Stillwater. Spinning: Spin anglers are advised to use light line (3kg max.) . . 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. The following guide, by necessity, is limited to more popular or accessible waters. Glow Worm Dell. Lake Paringa was a little busy with many boats out fishing for salmon, so we kept driving south to Lake Moeraki. The 2-hour Point Elizabeth Walk passes through a scenic reserve and old gold mining sites. Moana is a town that sits on the edge of Lake Brunner near Greymouth, West Coast. Fly casting to cruising fish under the bush fringed margin is a good method in suitable conditions. Hokitika. Watch. Brown and rainbow trout plus some salmon in the lower reaches. Feb 2, 2015 - Hokitika River Mouth, Aerial View, Hokitika. Anglers who are familiar with Hokitika River are asked to suggest changes using the link above. Salmon also swim up the Hokitika River between January and April while larger sea-run brown trout can be spotted chasing whitebait in the lower reaches around September to December. Chao-Ching Lee, 35, died at the Kaituna River mouth on June 25. The Hokitika has a number of important tributaries that provide a range of different fishing experiences. Mucking around on the side of the river, no whitebait were harmed in the making of this video. Boat launching facilities are available at Moana, Iveagh Bay and Mitchells. The Hokitika rises in the Southern Alps and flows north west to enter the Tasman Sea at Hokitika township. At night use very dark patterns such as a Hairy Dog or Black Fuzzy-Wuzzy. Nimmo Gallery is in the heart of Greymouth. The mid-section around the Stony confluence is most suited to a heavy nymph fished near the edges. 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. West Coast Treetop Walk & Cafe. 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. With the pressures of modern life, increasing numbers of anglers rate isolation, peace and solitude almost as highly as the opportunity to fish for wild trout. The Rough also enters the Grey River at Ikamatua and provides challenging fishing for predominantly large brown trout. February is the best month for salmon fishing in the West Coast lakes; deep trolling is recommended by the locals. Excellent access is available to the Lower Grey from roads on both sides up to Ikamatua. Local fishing guides offer everything from first-timer lessons to backcountry heli expeditions into remote fishing spots. Perch up to 1kg abound in the lake and outlet creek providing excellent angling for kids. Yellow Eyed Mullet Catch and Cook with Jack and Charlie and Kristen. "Got him" Phil replied excitedly as the 3kg brown boiled the surface attached to his fly. Located 25km from Greymouth. South of Fox Glacier you will find a Salmon Farm and Cafe. Regaling Phil with tales of hunting trips past, I also managed some decent spotting jobs on trout cruising the shallows of the dark tannin-stained lake. True Left: The Buller River is easily accessible for many kilometres off the adjacent SH6. 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. 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. Much of it is accessible by vehicle. Frew Hut sleeps 10 people on two platforms and is heated . Nymphs: In the upper reaches small flies are recommended such as a gold bead Hare and Copper or Pheasants Tail (sizes 14 - 16). Access: Available from the Atarau Road Bridge or where SH7 crosses the Mawheraiti River. Learn about the town's heritage and hire a gold pan to try your hand at the Ross Goldfields Information Centre you might just find your own Roddy. Tide Times are NZDT (UTC +13.0hrs). It is always worth having a few casts! Popular access points are Greymouth, Omoto Racecourse, Taylorville, Stillwater Bridge, Matai, Blackball, Ahaura, Totara Flat and Ikamatua. Shot Sizes & Non-Toxic Energy Equivalents, How to build a Maimai - Plans and Construction Guidelines, Jenn Sheppard accepts PhD for mallard thesis dedicated to all keen duck hunters, Effects of Surgically Implanted Transmitters on Reproduction and Survival in Mallards, Insights into Duckling Survival & Female Mallard Brooding Behaviour, Leading Mallard Duck Researcher Jenn Sheppard Updates Fish & Game, Tracking Mallards Latest Word from the Researchers, Top Canadian Duck Researcher Recruited For Mallard Team, Citizen Science For Reporting On Mallard Brood, Survival And Habitat, Making and servicing grey teal nest boxes, Safety notes from the Mountain Safety Council, Auckland / Waikato Region Contact Information, Nelson / Marlborough Region Contact Information, North Canterbury Region Contact Information, Central South Island Region Contact Information, Felt Soled Waders Restrictions New Zealand, Fish & Game Election 2021 - What you need to know, Maimais status in Natural Wetlands under the National Environmental Standards for Freshwater 2020. Haast really is the last outpost of civilisation in South Westland. Upstream of Lyell the river lies within the Nelson/Marlborough Fish & Game Region. The visiting angler can expect a few Chinook salmon to be present in the Hokitika River from late December to April. 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. The best fishing in the Ahaura River is from the Nancy River confluence downstream. Good trout numbers in the lower section which is easily accessible from the Lower Whataroa Flat Rd. 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. Nearby Lake Kaniere and Lake Mahinapua are good fishing spots for brown trout and perch. Large perch inhabit the creek above tidal reach. If you prefer to fish upstream drive to picnic area at the road end. Lake Ianthe is south of Ross on SH6 near Pukekura and is an excellent brown trout fishery. Here is a list of Hokitika attractions voted amongst the best things to do in Hokitika. This is a popular fishery close to a population centre so catch and release is requested. 30 minutes north of Hokitika on SH6 is Greymouth. Much of it is accessible by vehicle. The Waitahu holds good sized fish throughout, while the Montgomerie is a mid-sized tributary offering excellent headwater angling prospects. Check out and download the very comprehensive West Coast Fish and Game access brochure. In addition to lakes, the West Coast has many good salmon rivers, such as the Taramakau, Hokitika and Haast. Access is available up and downstream. If in doubt about access ask at nearest farmhouse. The trolling is every bit as good with a record 44 hooked on one day. Foot access is available to Carew Bay and Bain Bay via track, starting at boat ramp. Lake Mahinapua - a scenic reserve 10 minutes south of Hokitika, offering picturesque views of the . Spinning for cruising browns can be successful but wet fly fishing is best. The lower River and Cobden Lagoon are well suited to kayak fishing, especially . You could stay up to two days here, book your accommodation in advance! It makes for an interesting stop where you can feed the salmon and then taste the product! 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. of Ross. Turbulent rivers cascade from the mountains through lush bush, past crystal lakes and dark-green paddocks before . If you prefer the fly rod in the lower reaches for brown trout try a Parsons Glory or Yellow Rabbit. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Stunning rental and fully guided kayak trips on the remote and tranquil Okarito Lagoon, with incredible views of the Southern Alps and Westland Tai Poutini National Park. The Inangahua contains a very good population of trout, mainly small to medium sized but many larger fish in late season. The grey shading corresponds to nighttime hours between sunset and sunrise at Hokitika. 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. Use this utility to forecast high and low tides anywhere in coastal and ocean waters around New Zealand's EEZ for up to 28 days 1 month. not many, if any got enough for a feed or 2 and to pay for some Whitebait Tips and Techniques. Take a leisurely paced journey through the West Coast, visiting lakes as you make your way down south from Lake Brunner through to Haast. 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. 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. 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. The Hokitika River, and its eastern tributary, the Kokatahi River, have formed the Kowhitirangi-Kokatahi alluvial plain; a fertile and productive land extensively used for dairy farming.. Side braids, shallow runs and the edges may be fished with a heavier nymph such as Hares Ear or a large stonefly imitation. 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? 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 . A good West Coast Map is recommended for visitors intending to get the most from a fishing trip to the Coast'. Access: A boat ramp is located at Jetty Bay. Touch device users can explore . 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). Much of it is accessible by vehicle. Arnold River Bridge near Aratika. 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. Please note that McDonalds creek is closed to angling year-round. Various access points are available at Mitchells, a 38km drive from Moana to the South end of the Lake. The lake holds good stocks of brown trout and wild salmon (including sea run). Look for West Coast Fishing Guides here. Upstream tributaries like the Thomas, MacFarlane, and Clarke rivers are beautiful places with big red stags and some nice resident trout too. Scenic Air Tour with Wilderness Wings. 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. Spinning is effective during freshes, particularly in lower reaches. Hokitika Town on the north side of the Hokitika River, near its mouth. Foot access is available over the Arnold river foot bridge at Moana village. Access: Boat ramp at Jamie Creek camping area. The deeper water is suitable for trolling a spinning lure with light nylon. The section of river from the bridge down 2-3km to the mouth is best. "One skin, two skin, three skin, foreskin" Neil counted out loud to our great mirth at the time. Launching ramp is located towards the eastern end of the lake. Many of the rivers support trout populations and sea-run salmon turn up in local lakes and rivers from January. Today. Although there are medium sized fish in the upper section, they are usually outnumbered by smaller trout. Hokitika is the only beachside, full-service town centre on the West Coast. The lower reaches are best with access via Wanganui Flat Road (turn off at Harihari). Some salmon enter the river between Jan and April and larger sea run fish trout can be caught between Sept and Dec in the lower reaches as they enter the river chasing whitebait. Overall the Hokitika River is 64 kmlong. Kotoku; turn off the road following the true right of the Molloy Creek. For the more active a walk further up to the Montgomerie is recommended. 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. Fly fishing is favoured but all methods are successful. Show all catches. Haupiri contains brown trout and is located 42km from Greymouth. The river mouth is at the township of Hokitika and the river runs for many kilometres inland from there. These include Wall Rd, Stopbank Rd and Whitcombe Rd. Save up to 30% when you upgrade to an image pack. 135 people follow this. Learn how your comment data is processed. Last 30 days. You can walk to the edge of the water too. 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. Salmon Farm licensed caf specializing in fresh and smoked salmon products. 1 hour 12 mins, 86.7 km. The red flashing dot shows the tide time right now. 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. 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. Free or royalty-free photos and images. If you dont have a boat, Franz Josef Wilderness Tours has the perfect solution for a fun family or friends fishing expedition. Lake Kaniere, 18 kilometres east of Hokitika, is a glacial lake, used for boating, kayaking and fishing . The middle reaches are accessible off Kokatahi Road which leads through Kowhitirangi to the Hokitika Gorge. The Buller enters the sea at Westport after its long journey from the Nelson Lakes. Next high Spring Tide at Hokitika River Bar will be on Thu 09 Mar (height: 2.19m 7.2ft). Download the client and get started. Located by the sea, at the mouth of Hokitika River, Hokitika is the largest town in Westland District. 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. 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 . Explore. The Landing Bridge is another and following the Larry or Waitahu rivers down to the confluence also provides quick access. The annual salmon run in the Hokitika River is estimated at 200-500 fish. Smaller streams generally fish best in early season before water temperatures increase and trout become active for shorter periods. 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. Salmon from January to April. The lower Grey River itself has large sea-run trout in it from September to December, with fish up to 5kg encountered. The upper reaches require some skill to fish. Moana is a town that sits on the edge of Lake Brunner near Greymouth, West Coast. 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. 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. 9. 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. Hokitika River Map. If you are targeting the small runs of quinnat salmon try a small 22g silver zed spinner fished on 20 lb monofilament. Upper Ahaura, Mr Bill Perry Ph 03 738 0221. 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. between Stillwater and Moana. Where the river does not run alongside the road, permission must be obtained from landowners. Lake Brunner Trout Fishing, near Greymouth, Westland. These can change very quickly especially after a storm and so anglers need tto be constantly evaluating their fishing options and methods to suit. Greymouth is also a superb base for trout fishing all year round. Hokitika Guardian. Cross the swingbridge and pick up the track again which climbs steeply to the scrub/tussock bench high above the Hokitika River. Franz Josef Wilderness Tours is a locally owned and operated family business in Franz Josef. In South Westland lakes deeper trolling is recommended for both trout and salmon when surface temperatures are warm. The middle section of the river produces good numbers of trout and is quite easy to fish. The lake is rich in bird life as well as mining history. Foot access is available to the right of the boat ramp along the lake edge. The entrance to the Hokitika River was once used as a harbour during the West Coast Gold Rush; however, the sand bar at the river mouth created a treacherous and often fatal obstacle - resulting in many . Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. Imagine casting your line into a breathtaking limestone canyon filled with turquoise blue waters. Small bullies are the primary food source although trout will take an unweighted nymph and often rise freely to a large dry fly. MATIU/SOMES Island, 24.9ha (62 acres), lies off Wellington, NZ, 3km south of Petone and the mouth of the Hutt River.It was first used as a quarantine facility with the arrival of the 'England' in 1872, which was carrying several passengers with smallpox, the passengers and crew being quartered in makeshift accommodation. Copyright NZFishing.com All Rights Reserved | Site and hosting by iConcept.co.nz. Advertise Here. Simply browse for your screenshot using the form below. 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. Follow SH7 to Ngahere, turn right onto Nelson Creek Rd. Sea Run Salmon turn up in the regions lakes and rivers from January with numbers peaking in March. A delightful spring fed tributary of the Wanganui River. 126 people like this. Mouth accessible from Little Wanganui Hotel (Nth. 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. Access downstream of Reefton is more difficult, although landowners are helpful if asked and Anglers Access signs are located in places where access has been negotiated. For salmon white or silver lures are recommended or black/green and gold when the water is discoloured. 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. Peterson Road (turn off at Harihari) follows the lower river giving access to tidal water, a short walk from road end. 3 likes. Wild trout, tasty sea-run salmon, superb crayfish, an ocean of fish and other seafood not forgetting delectable West Coast whitebait the Coast is a fishing hotspot with 600km of coastal beaches, dozens of back country rivers spilling into the ocean, and a multitude of accessible lakes and wetlands. 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. It offers plenty of good fly fishing upstream. This is a Grey tributary joining at Ikamatua (between Greymouth and Reefton). 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. Lake Poerua is a 24km drive from Moana or 8km from the turn off at Jacksons SH73. This had sparked the idea in Phil's head about a grand "bucket list"fishing trip around the whole South Island, starting out on the northern West Coast and fishing our way south. 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. Spot sporty brown trout in clear mountain streams or stalk the wily ones hiding in the dark forest-stained lakes. Methods: All methods work well, with spinning the most popular when the river is high. November 19, 2013. Smelt and large bullies are often very effective in tidal areas. Was a awesome sight to see.If you enjoy our vids, you might want to support us on Patreon, . The lower reaches tend to be suitable for spin fishing and does hold a number of brown and sea run trout. Don't miss this incredible location. This television report tells of the loss of the fishing boat, Craig Ewan, on 2 August 1993. The Mawheraiti is a smallish tea coloured stream usually holding good numbers of medium sized trout. Even in the late 20th century the bar of the Grey River was claiming lives. Methods: Spin fishing is popular all along the mid and lower Grey River. Lake Wahapo was too low to fish, with the ramp high and dry, and way too much mud and ooze between us and the lake to launch. Bait Fishing: Bait fishing is permitted in all waters. Zane Mirfin and Phil Clark on top of the world at Fox Glacier. Make your way to Lake Brunner that is famous for brown trout, great food and accommodation. A narrow, rugged and largely untamed strip 400km long and barely 30km wide, the West Coast is home to just 32,000 people. . Foot acccess is limited to McDonalds Creek mouth and off SH6 at various obvious points. Refer to regulations for season details. To reach Iveagh Bay continue past Moana and turn off onto Cashmere Bay Rd. A medium sized river, which flows crystal clear in normal conditions. 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. . Brown trout are present but are seldom caught before hooking a perch. Tramping, hunting and if you want speed, jet boating tours with Waiatoto River Safari or Haast River Safari on the local rivers are available. In this time we fished major rivers and their tributaries, like the Karamea, Mohikinui, Buller, Grey, Taramakau, Hokitika, Wanganui, Whataroa, Paringa, and lakes galore. LOCAL AND GENERAL. Haast is known as The Gates of Haast which is a lost world that's so spectacular and remote UNESCO designated it a "World Heritage" area. Access: Angling is most popular in the middle reaches, both above and below Reefton. The lower river is wide in parts and well suited to spin fishing if you are seeking to cover plenty of holding water. The upper reaches are separated from the middle reaches by the inaccessible Hokitika Gorge. 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. Boat Fishing: A popular method for trout and salmon in lakes. 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. Brown trout average 1.8 kgs and are normally well conditioned. Two access locations are marked along this road. It holds a high population of medium sized brown trout and is usually fishable in all but extreme flows. It contains browns, rainbows and perch. Resident brown trout tend to occupy the middle part of this river. You might want to proof-read your comments before posting them. Mucking around on the side of the river, no whitebait were harmed in the making of this video. Fly fishing from boat over the shallow weed beds between Orangipuku and Te Kinga is recommended. On the Coast these attributes exist in abundance' along with a surprising diversity of angling opportunity. Whitcombe Valley road takes the anglers wishing to fish the upper reaches to the beginning of the track inland at the start of the Gorge. Old Arnold Road between the Arnold River and Arnold Valley Rd. 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. 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. Recommended rivers further south include the Paringa, Jacobs, Okuru, Turnbull and Jacksons. Hokitika River. Some of the best fishing we've had on earlier heli-adventures was on the lower Martyr and upper reaches of the wild Cascade river. 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. Hokitika River. The following information barely scratches the surface of what is available. krito is a coastal settlement with stunning wetlands to explore. . Sports fish in this lake include: Brown trout. Hiking up rivers through majestic forests, rock hopping towards the next pool, this is the sport that Kiwis know and love. The comfortable, fully-covered, all-weather fishing charter boat comes complete with a knowledgeable fishing guide, all fishing equipment and a bbq so you can cook your catch for lunch. 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. 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.