Trout Fishing Information

MOTUEKA RIVER
The Motueka River is fast developing a reputation as a brown trout fishery of international importance. Drift dive surveys confirm the fact that the river has one of the highest per kilometre fish counts in New Zealand.

      The Motueka is a sizeable river flowing for much of its length through pasture and horticultural activities. Hops, tobacco, Asian pears and kiwifruit are grown on the banks of the middle and the lower reaches. Further upstream the river runs more swiftly through pine and native beech forest.

Angling is as varied as the individual angler wishes to experience with long, placid runs interspersed with rough, bouldery runs. Virgin forest clothes the headwater, creating a wilderness atmosphere in the crystal clear water where large fish, sometimes exceeding 7 lb, tempt the discerning fly fisherman.

OTHER LOCAL STREAMS
Several quite large tributaries, all within 40 minutes drive of the Lodge issue from the western mountains providing semi-wilderness fishing throughout the season. Perhaps best known and renowned for wary, wild browns averaging well in excess of 3 lb is the Wangapeka. This river, with a consistent summer flow provides the specialist dry fly and nymph angler with challenging angling in delightful surroundings.

      Only 15 minutes drive from the Lodge is the Baton – a smaller but similar quality stream to the Wangapeka where stalking trout with a skilful guide is almost a pre-requisite for success.

RAINY AND MOTUPIKO RIVERS
The combined Rainy/Motupiko system is only 30 minutes from the Lodge. A major spawning stream it produces best during October and November . Fish of over 3 lb are common and provide a great challenge in a relatively minuscule stream.

RIWAKA RIVER
Undoubtedly the principal stream after the Motueka close to the Lodge is the spring fed Riwaka less than 20 minutes drive away. According to a scientific survey conducted recently, the Riwaka holds the greatest mass of fish per meter of stream of any trout stream in New Zealand. This does not mean that the Riwaka fish are easy to catch. Far from it. They provide a wonderful challenge to the fly angler. Careful stalking and presentation are vital, but the rewards in the form of beautiful, chunky fish are worth the effort. The Riwaka is not a Motueka tributary and the fish population is therefore independent of that system.

TAKAKA RIVER
The Takaka River and its main feeders, the Cobb, Waingaro and Anatoki is an important system draining into Golden Bay. While the river is not viewed as one of the main waters available to the Lodge it does provide variety for the angler on an extended stay and is notable for its delightful scenery. An enormous wild brown trout weighing over 25 lb, was landed from the Takaka River in March of 1991. The Aorere is another larger river in the area renowned for spring runs of sea-run browns.

THE BULLER SYSTEM
The Buller River and its notable tributaries make up hundreds of miles of top brown trout water, especially when the rivers flowing into twin Lakes Rotoiti and Rotoroa are included. All these streams are available to the Motueka River Lodge guests in addition to local waters. The most important streams are the Owen, Mangles, Matakitaki, Gown and Maruia. All fish well throughout the season thought the main Buller River is favoured late in the season when the flows make the aforementioned difficult.

RAI RIVER
Sometimes bad weather conditions and high rivers in the vicinity of the Lodge necessitate a journey to the highly acclaimed Rai, a delightful stream with many tiny but productive tributaries. This system, some 90 minutes drive from the Lodge, holds big numbers of both rainbow and browns.

      While the average size is not great, with fish in the 1 – 2 lb class common, the       attractive rural surroundings make the Rai a favourite of many Nelson angler’s.

WILDERNESS RIVERS
Undoubtedly the jewel in the crown of the Motueka river Lodge is the Karamea and its important tributaries the Crow and Roaring Lion. Rapidly gaining a reputation worldwide, the Karamea continues to produce outstanding brown trout of prodigious size. For practical purposes accessible only by helicopter, these wilderness streams are closer to Motueka River Lodge and at a cheaper rate than any other Lodge in the Nelson/West Coast area. Mountain View Helicopters are located only minutes away from the Lodge by air. Sharing the cost of helicopter and guide with one or two other persons makes a day in the Karamea an affordable taste of ultimate in fly fishing for big, wild browns in spectacular surroundings second to none. In good conditions scores of trout averaging a shade under 6 lb will be encountered. Create a taste of angling paradise. The sight of a 26 inch brown taking a delicate mayfly imitation from the surface of a huge Karamea pool, is not for the faint hearted.

      Other rivers available only by helicopter include Mokihinui, a river with a reputation nearly as big as the Karamea.

EQUIPMENT
All our fishing is for brown trout, often in waters of unusual clarity. We recommend rods handling weight 5-7 lines in dull tomes. Brightly coloured or fluorescent lines are not advised. Flies and nymphs in smaller sizes are suitable, though some weighted nymphs should be carried. Your guides are fully equipped if in doubt.

      Wading wet is part of the experience. Lightweight waders or felt soled wading shoes are a must. As a stealthy approach is essential clothing which tones in with the prominent greens and browns of the environment is essential.

      While most anglers will prefer to fish with fly, spin fishing is productive at dawn and dusk, and following a fresh. Lures such as the veltic, mepps or toby range fish well at times.

GUIDES
All our guides at the Motueka River Lodge are local people and know their territory well. They are extremely patient and willing to share their knowledge and teach, so don’t worry if you consider yourself a novice, our guides will provide you with a positive angling experience.