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 |
