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Pomahaka River

 

The Pomahaka is a major tributary of the Clutha River and a famous fishery in its own right. It is a long river, which starts out as a classic high country stream holding some large brown trout and sea salmon.

Fish type, number and
size

The Pomahaka holds brown trout and sea salmon (plus perch).

In the headwaters, the trout are large (2-3 kg) but few and far between. In the middle and lower reaches, there are smaller fish (0.5-1.5 kg) but more of them.

Returning sea salmon average 2-6 kg. Large salmon are also caught in this section

Situation The Pomahaka River rises south of Roxburgh in the Umbrella Mountains, and winds through 125 km through West Otago farmland before entering the Clutha River below Clydedale.
Maps

Access map by Google

Check conditions View the MetService weather forecast

View the river flow.

View the rainfall.

Conservation order A conservation order, designed to provide for the unimpeded migration of fish, prohibits damming of the Pomohaka River except for stock-water supply purposes. For more details refer to the Otago Regional Council website and the Regional Water Plan.
Upper reaches In the headwaters, the Pomahaka is a classic high-country stream with steep gorges, deep pools and clear, slightly tea-stained water.
Middle reaches In the middle reaches, (from Leithen picnic area to Conical Hill) the river flows mainly through flat pastureland The river is easily accessed and flows over a mostly gravel bed.
Lower reaches In the lower reaches, there is a series of gorges and flats, and the water is darker in colour making it harder to spot the fish.
Recommended lures

Variants of the mayfly at different stages of its life cycle should be tried on all parts of the river.

Nymphs: Large weighted nymphs in the headwaters, including Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tail. In the middle and lower reaches in summer, Willow Grub is a must.

Dry flies:
Terrestrial type dry flies in the headwaters such as Coch-y Bondhu and Grasshopper:

Spinners: Veltic, Toby, or articulated trout

Tributaries Waipahi River
Regulations (1)
Applicable to Pomahaka River except areas below Swans Bridge (Clydevale Road)
Region Otago regulations
Season 1 Oct-30 Apr
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit  4 trout 2 salmon
Size limit (cm) None
Regulations (2)
Applicable to Pomahaka River downstream of Swans Bridge (Clydevale Road)
Region Otago regulations
Season 1 Oct-30 Apr
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit 4 trout 2 salmon
Size limit (cm) None
Regulations (3)
Applicable to Pomahaka River upstream from Park Hill Bridge (Switzers Road)
Region Otago regulations
Season 1 Oct-30 Apr
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit  1 trout 2 salmon
Size limit (cm) None

Other fishing waters of the region