| Fish type |
Brown trout |
| Situation |
The Ohau river drains Lake Ohau and enters Lake Ruataniwha just south of Twizel. |
| Map and conditions |
Access map
View the MetService weather forecast.
View the river flow.
|
| Description |
Water extraction from Lake Ohau into the Ohau Canal has severely reduced the Ohau River flow. It is still a reasonably sized river however with a number of good runs and pools, particularly the section of the river from where it leaves Lake Ohau down to the Ohau B Power Station. Due to its glacial origins however, it often contains a degree of glacial silt that discolours the water making spotting of fish difficulty. Consequently, fishing blind with a nymph or spinner are the favoured options when fishing this water. |
| Access |
There is good access to the upper section from a road that follows both banks. |
| Methods |
This water is best fished with a nymph or spinner. At times the fish do rise to hatches and so the angler should be armed with the appropriate flies etc especially during the late spring and summer months. |
| Recommended tackle |
Rods of around 6 weight with a floating line for the nymph fishing or a spin rod capable of casting lures between 7 - 12g are recommended. |
| Recommended lures |
Dry fly: Humpys, Blow Fly patterns, Red-tipped Governors and Coch-y-Bondhu or caddis patterns during the evening rise when it occurs.
Nymphs: Weighted nymphs in sizes 12 to 16 such as very roughly tied Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail and Halfback
patterns.
Wetflies: Streamer flies such as a Parson's Glory, Grey Wulff and Jack Spratt
Spinners: Black and gold Toby's, Rapalas and Cobras
|
| Biosecurity |
| Clean, check dry |
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. |
| Regulations (1) |
| Applicable to |
Ohau River |
| Region |
Central South Island regulations |
| Season |
1 Oct-30 Apr |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner, bait |
| Bag limit |
Trout: 2
Salmon: 2 |
| Size limit (cm) |
Trout: No limit
Salmon: Minimum 300 mm |
| Regulations (2) |
| Applicable to |
Upper Ohau River between Lakes Ohau and Ruataniwha |
| Region |
Central South Island regulations |
| Season |
1 Oct-30 Apr and
1 Sept to 30 Sept 2019 |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner, bait |
| Bag limit |
Trout: 2
Salmon: 2 |
| Size limit (cm) |
Trout: No limit
Salmon: Minimum 300 mm |
