Ahuriri River
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The Ahuriri River is a fishery of national importance with trophy trout providing sport for the experienced angler in the pristine upper reaches. Fish numbers are good and the beauty of the surroundings make this a popular destination. Its beauty and unique vegetation and wildlife have resulted in the river and surroundings receiving a conservation protection. |
| Water Conservation Order | Much of the upper portion of the river is in the Ahuriri Conservation Park, and it's a well-regarded fly fishing river, containing both brown and rainbow trout. The WCO passed in 1990 recognises the river and its tributaries as an area of outstanding wildlife habitat and fisheries, with "outstanding angling features".
To read the full legislation document for the WCO applied to this waterway click here |
| Fish type | Brown and rainbow trout |
| Situation |
The Ahuriri River rises in the Southern Alps below Mt Huxley and between Lakes Ohau and Hawea. It flows on a curving easterly course into Lake Benmore near Omarama. In summer this can be a hot wind-swept area making for challenging fishing conditions during the day. Mountain views partly compensate for the prevailing north-west wind which starts blowing down the valley in mid to late morning. The wind often does abate in the evenings providing a window of calm in which to target the fish. |
| Maps | |
| Check conditions |
View the MetService weather forecast. View the River flow. |
| Upper reaches |
Description Anglers who are prepared to walk a distance can often find that they have large areas of water to themselves. Fish can be spotted in good water in the vicinity of Ben Avon Station where the river follows a convoluted course. Please ask permission before fishing here. The backwaters often hold good fish but you need to cast downstream which is tricky because of drag. Above Birchwood Station some cunning trophy-size brown trout reside in clear pools and runs, providing challenging fishing. Wading is not difficult and the river can be crossed between pools in places. Fish numbers and size Above Birchwood Station there are fewer fish but some trophy-size of up to 4.5 kg. Access Upstream from Omarama, access is from SH8 or from Birchwood Road which branches off SH8, 17km south of Omarama. The pristine upper river waters can be reached directly from the Birchwood Road or alternatively at Irelands Bridge or by walking down the Avon Burn. See the access map. |
| Middle and lower reaches |
Description This part of the Ahuriri flows across tussock and lupin flats. It is a braided river, shingly, unstable and lined with willow trees. Fish across and down with spinners or flies, blind fishing likely-looking waters such as rapids, and sight-fishing. Note that the predominately rainbow trout, coloured a slate-grey, can be difficult to see unless they are moving Fish numbers and size Good stocks of brown and rainbow trout of 1-1.5 kg, especially between the SH8 bridge and Lake Benmore. Access SH8 Bridge: Downstream from Omarama, follow SH8 toward Twizel and either park just downstream of the bridge (just over 2 km from Omarama), or turn just after The Clay Cliffs: Drive over the SH8 bridge and continue for about 4.5 km; then, at the sign "The Cliffs", turn left into Henburn Road. Follow the directions to The Cliffs, following the rough road to where it runs parallel to the water. Please pay the requested tolls at the gates on the way. See the access map. |
| Delta |
Description The convergence of the Ahuriri River with Lake Benmore is well-worth exploring. The extensive gravel delta offers easy-walking to excellent fishing in and near the in-flowing current. Take care as the sand is very soft in places especially on the edge of the water. Fish can be seen cruising in the area so sight fishing is possible. Access Follow SH83 from Omarama through Glenburn Station for around 5.5km and walk for about 20 minutes along the anglers access track to the river mouth. See the access map. |
| Recommended lures |
Dry flies: Greenwell's Glory, Red-tipped Governor, Peveril O'Peake, Coch-y-Bondu, Humpy, Wulff, Kakahi Queen, Molefly Nymphs: Hare and Copper, Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail Streamers: Mrs Simpson, Hope's Dark, Parson's Glory, Yellow Dorothy, Lord's Killer, Rabbit varieties, Hamill's Killer Spinners: Black, Silver or Blue Slice, Zed Spinner |
| Biosecurity | |
| Cleaning requirement | Because of the presence of the invasive alga didymo in these waters, anglers must clean their fishing gear including waders and boots, especially when moving between rivers. See Didymo Biosecurity Alert for details. |
| Regulations (1): | |
| Applicable to | Ahuriri River and its tributaries upstream of and including Longslip Creek |
| Region | Central South Island regulations |
| Season | First Saturday in Dec --30 April
No fishing for sockeye salmon 1 March - 30 April |
| Methods | Artificial fly, spinner |
| Bag limit | Trout: 2 Salmon: 2 |
| Size limit (cm) | Trout: No limit Salmon: 300 mm minimum |
| Regulations (2): | |
| Applicable to | Ahuriri River and its tributaries downstream of Longslip Creek except Omarama Stream |
| Region | Central South Island regulations |
| Season | First Saturday in November to 30 April
No fishing for sockeye salmon 1 March - 30 April |
| Methods | Artificial fly, spinner. |
| Bag limit | Trout: 2 Salmon: 2 |
| Size limit (cm) | Trout: No limit Salmon: 300 mm minimum |
| Regulations (3): | |
| Applicable to | Ahuriri River lagoons |
| Region | Central South Island regulations |
| Season | First Saturday in Dec --30 April
No fishing for sockeye salmon 1 March - 30 April |
| Methods | Flyfishing only |
| Bag limit | Trout: 2 Salmon: N/A |
| Size limit (cm) | Trout: No limit Salmon: N/A |
