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.

Access map

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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