HomeCentral South IslandCSI: Where to FishHakataramea River

Hakataramea River

 

The Hakataramea River is a popular small stream with good access which holds good stocks of brown and rainbow trout. It is also known as the "Haka".

Fish type Brown and rainbow trout, chinook salmon
Situation

The Hakataramea River is the largest tributary of the Waitaki River. It rises in the MacKenzie Country and flows southward to join the Waitaki at Hakataramea.

Map

Access map

Check Conditions

View the MetService weather forecast.

View the river flow.

The average flow of the Hakataramea is 5.25 cumecs but during the dry summer months the flows reduce, requiring greater stealth on the part of the angler.

Fish numbers and size

Brown trout predominate but rainbow trout are also found along the length of the river. However, many of the fish tend to go downstream during dry summer conditions.

The average size is about 1.5 kg though trout up to 2.7 kg are not unusual.

Methods

Trout can be spotted and fished for using dry flies or nymphs to match the caddis or mayflies that are about. Wet fly fishing may also be productive.

In April, trout will strike a fly which resembles the salmon eggs which are sometimes washed downstream.

Access

The roads up either side of the Hakataramea provide access to the river:
- Hakataramea Valley Road
- McHenry's Road

To avoid trespassing, please obtain consent from the landowners before walking the river banks or wading into the water. The land owners here have AMF (Ad Medium Filum Acquae) rights which means the boundary of their property may be the centreline of the river. See the access map.

Recommended lures

Dry flies: Greenwell's Glory,  Kakahi Queen, Molefly, Blowfly, Beetle.

Nymphs: The larger Stoneflies and Dobson Fly,

In late autumn when grubs drop from the willow trees, Willow Grub is essential.

Streamers: Mrs Simpson,  Yellow Dorothy, Lord's Killer, Rabbit varieties, Hamill's Killer

Regulations (1):
Applicable to Hakataramea River upstream from SH82
Region Central South Island regulations
Season

Trout: First Saturday in November
to 30 April
Salmon: First Saturday in November
to 31 March

Methods Fly fishing only
Bag limit Trout: 2
Salmon: 2
Size limit (cm) Trout: No limit
Salmon: 300 mm minimum
Regulations (2):
Applicable to Hakataramea River downstream from SH82
Region Central South Island regulations
Season

Trout: 1 November to 30 April
Salmon: 1 November to 31 March

Methods Artificial fly, spinner
Bag limit Trout: 2
Salmon: 2
Size limit (cm) Trout: No limit
Salmon: 300 mm minimum

Other fishing waters of the region



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