Access map

The Cobb River is a beautiful river to fish running over a shingle and gravel bed between bush covered hills. It contains mostly rainbow trout which can be easily spotted in the clear runs and pools. Some deep slow moving pools can hold a number of fish that tend to cruise around in search of food.

The Cobb River is easy to fish though requires some effort as there are no roads along it and anglers must walk a track that runs along much of its length.

Access to the Cobb River requires some walking as the road that follows the southern shore of the reservoir stops at the head of the lake. A good track (with DOC huts) follow the river upstream however.

From Takaka, take the Cobb Dam road which follows the southern shoreline of the Cobb Reservoir. There is a car park at the end for those wishing to fish either the lake or the Cobb River. This is a very narrow steep and winding unsealed road and care must be taken when driving it. See the access map.

Nymphs:
Small nymphs such as Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tails and Caddis imitations all work well in sizes 14 or smaller when fishing either the river of the lake edges to cruising trout.

Dry flies:
Small flies such as Hardies Favourite, Dad's Favourite, Royal Wulff and March Brown all work well at all times of the day. Fish bushier flies over the faster water.

Wet flies:
Small wets such as Greenwell's Glory, Twilight Beauty and March Brown work well when fished sub-surface. These flies are great when fishing the evening rise and seem particularly attractive to the rainbow population.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners (Mepps or Veltic) fished into the faster water or through the deep pools are best for this small river. As there are rainbow trout in this  system use red and flashier colours when spinning.