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Hawea River

The Hawea River is large and although subject to fluctuating flows due to hydro power generation is a consistently good summer fishery with both rainbow and brown trout present.

Fish type Brown and rainbow trout in good numbers with some fish larger than 3kg in size present
Situation The Hawea river drains Lake Hawea and flows south east for 16kms before joining the Clutha downstream from Albert Town.
Maps

Upper section below Lake Hawea access map

Confluence with the Clutha access map

Check conditions View the MetService weather forecast

View the river flow

Description

Despite being modified for hydro power generation, the Hawea river remains a large and powerful river. It is easiest to fish in the summer months when the flow is more constant and at its lowest level.

The river is a mixture of large bouldery runs and deep pools. Care should be taken when wading this water as the rocks can be slippery during summer and the current is deceptively strong.

Methods Both fly and spinners are legal.
Recommended tackle Rods capable of casting weighted nymphs to get flies down to the fish in the deeper pools are recommended.
Recommended lures

Nymphs:
March Brown, Hare’s Ear, dark Caddis, Stonefly, Pheasant Tail.

Dry flies: Black Gnat, Coch-y-Bondhu, dark Greenwell’s Glory, Humpy, green Adams, Royal Wulff, Royal Coachman, Adam’s Irresistible, Blue Dun. Lacewings can also be good around late January through February

Wet flies / Streamers:
Hamill’s Killer, Parson’s Glory, Craig’s Night-Time, Red Setter, Mrs Simpson,

Spinners: Veltic, Black or Silver Toby or Mepps

Regulations
Applicable to Hawea River
Region Otago regulations
Season All year
Methods Artificial fly, spinner.
Bag limit 2 trout, 4 salmon
Size limit (cm) None

Other fishing waters of the region



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