Access map

The upper reaches of the Lochy River flow for about 16km through an open valley. The flats are wide with beech forest on parts of the flat. Below the flats the river river flows through a gorge emerging 1km above the confluence with the Long Burn. The gorge is forested and rough in places and the river is quite turbulent, but great fishing is available to the keen fisherman who is prepared to rock-scramble. Those proficient in casting from awkward positions will most likely hook several fish in the gorge, but landing them can prove extremely difficult.

The upper reaches once held a good stock of resident rainbow and brown trout, but severe flooding in 1994 reduced the amount, resulting in the river catchment above the confluence with Disputed Creek to be catch and release only.

The lower reaches flow across farmland and become quite braided, but there are plenty of fish, particularly early in the season. From the Long Burn the river flows for about 8km before entering Lake Wakatipu at Halfway Bay midway between Queenstown and Kingston. There is no road access to the lower reaches of Lochy River, but can be accessed by boat.

Whilst recovering from spawning, trout will accept a large variety of flies and nymphs presented without drag. Humpy, Cochybondhu, Green beetle and Royal Wulffs are a great choice of dry flies, while Green stonefly, Perla and Hare and Copper are excellent nymphs.

The river can also be accessed by boat to the mouth and walking upstream, or by tramping over mountainous country from Mt Nicholas Road to the headwaters. Using a helicopter is a popular access method.

Nymphs:
Green stonefly, Perla and Hare and Copper

Dry flies:
Humpy, Coch-y-bondhu, Green beetle and Royal Wulff

One fish is permitted from the river downstream from the Disputed Creek confluence.