Access map

Upper reaches

There is access to the upper Puketotara Stream next to the SH10 bridge, 200 meters north of the Waimate North Road turn-off. From this point, anglers have access to the true right bank for some 4km upstream.

Lower reaches

A Fish and Game access point is sign-posted at the bridge on Golf View Road, Kerikeri, which leads to the Kerikeri golf club. This gives access to a limited length of fishable water: - 350 metres upstream on the true right bank, and - 200 metres downstream on the true right bank.

Note: By going downstream, the angler can cross the river to gain access to the confluence of the Puketotara with the Kerikeri River. See the Puketotara Stream access map.

Nymphs:
In the upper and middle reaches, lightly weighted stoneflies and mayfly patterns such as Pheasantail, Halfbacks and Hare and Copper in sizes 14 to 18.

Dry flies:
Popular patterns include Royal Wulff, Adams, Blue Dun, Coch-y-Bondhu, green beetle patterns (during the early summer), and cicada and cricket patterns late in the summer.

Wet flies / Streamers:
Small bully patterns such as Mrs Simpson and Hamill's Killer during the day and dark patterns such as Craig's Night-time and Scotch Poacher during the evening and at night. In the middle and upper reaches use small wee-wets such as March Brown, Greenwell's Glory, Red Governor and Hardies Favourite during the evening rise when fish are often taking emerging insects just subsurface.

Spinners:

Black and gold Tobys and silver Tobys in the lower reaches, and small bladed spinners such as Mepps or Veltic in the middle and upper reaches. As this is a rainbow fishery, brighter colours such as gold and red tend to work well during the day.