The Baton is a small stream in a delightful setting with several kilometers of wadeable water that holds good fish averaging 3 lbs and many much larger.
Fish type
Brown trout
Situation
1 hour from Nelson 20 minutes from Motueka 10 minutes from Tapawera
Setting
The Baton is a small tributary of the Motueka that runs over a stone and gravel bed allowing several kilometers of fishable water. It is a beautiful river throughout its length with ever-changing vistas on each stretch. The lower reaches as it nears the Motueka River can provide challenging fishing but the middle reaches are a delight. In its headwaters, the Baton is fed by a number of tributaries that are small but contain some impressive fish. A highly scenic river.
Despite its size, the Baton holds reasonable size fish that can provide anglers with a real challenge fishing for large fish in clear water. It is very isolated and so an ideal stream to get away from other anglers.
The river runs over a bed of stones and gravel and the bankside vegetation makes for ideal trout habitat. But the lower reaches of the Baton are not easy to fish as vegetation grows on both banks near its confluence with the Motueka. However, just a few kilometres up the road a number of points provide easy access to the river and good unrestricted casting.
Stealth and accurate casting with light gear is essential to success. This river remains clear for most of the season and so allows anglers to spot fish and fish to them.
Fish numbers and size
Average numbers of fish (though numbers are higher at the beginning of the season). Average size around 3lb though many fish go much bigger.
Access
Access to the lower middle reaches of the Baton is easy as the Baton Valley Rd follows the river for many kilometres. The river can usually be reached by pushing through the bank-side vegetation. At the lower end, at the confluence with the Motueka, and in the upper reaches where the river veers away from the road for considerable stretches, you must seek permission from landowners which is usually readily given.
Nymphs: Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tails and Theo's Bombers in small sizes (14 or smaller)
Dry flies: Greenwell's Glory, Kakahi Queen, Parachute Adams, beetle patterns such as Coch-y-Bondhu and cicada patterns (in the late summer)
Wet flies: Small wets such as Greenwell's Glory, Twilight Beauty, Invicta, Purple and Grouse work well, especially in the evenings when fish are rising.
