HomeNelson – MarlboroughNelson Marlborough: Where to fishKaituna River

Kaituna River

The Kaituna river is a small very scenic river holding a small population of trout.
Fish type Brown trout averaging around 1 to 1.5 kilograms.
Situation The Kaituna river rises in the Wakamarama Range and flows south-west to join the lower reaches of the Aorere River.
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Access map

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Description

The Kaituna River is a small bubbly stream flowing over a rocky bed through native bush and, in the lower reaches, willow lined banks. Its waters are generally tea-coloured from the forest that it drains. It is easily wadeable and has a large number of interesting pools interspersed by long riffles and glides.

The best fishing is to be found in the lower reaches above the confluence with the Aorere river. Upstream from the lower bridge, fish numbers are much fewer. It is difficult to spot to fish in the water.

Access

From SH60, turn right into the Collingwood-Bainhan Main Road and follow it across the Aorere River at Rockville Bridge. The Collingwood-Bainhan Main Road runs parallel with the Kaituna River for about 1.5km. See the Aorere River access map.

Methods All methods are suitable for this river but spinning is properly best near the confluence with the Aorere River.
Recommended tackle Anglers need to use light tackle due to the size of this river. As the water is generally coloured, shorter leaders are practical. Rods capable of casting lines around weight four or five are recommended
Recommended lures

Nymphs:
Small nymphs lightly weighted such as Hare and Copper or Pheasants Tail and Halfback in sizes 12 to 16. (Due to the colour in the water is best to use dark coloured flies and it is one small river where using larger flies is sometimes warranted)

Dry flies:
During the late summer lace flies and cicada patterns both work well when fished under the overhanging vegetation. Throughout the rest of the year try may fly patterns such as Twilight Beauty and sedge patterns such as a Goddards Sedge in the evening.

Wet flies:
Small emerger patterns such as March Brown, Invicta or Greenwell's Glory work well when fished through the faster water or during the evening rise.

Spinners: Use small bladed spinners such as a Mepps or Veltic preferably in green.

Regulations
Applicable to Kaituna River
Region Nelson Marlborough
Season All year
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit 2
Size limit (cm) No size limit

Other fishing waters of the region



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