The Oreti River rises in the Thomson Mountains of the Southern Alps, to the east of the Mavora Lakes, and flows 130km through Mossburn, Lumsden and Benmore to enter the sea on Invercargill’s doorstep.

The river travels initially through wind-parched high tussock land, then down into flattish farm land with good roads. Wide gravel beaches, intriguing deep water holes and good picnic spots make it popular with anglers.

Access map

View the river level, rainfall and river flow

The further north you fish the more walking you’ll have to do and the more wily the fish become. Yet there are trophies to be had and all types of fishing are practised on the river.

The most popular areas are in the lower reaches, above the West Plains Bridge where trout slash at whitebait and smelt, and at Waikiwi Stream.

Description - Source to Mossburn

This section of the river is a mixture of deep pools and long runs with a small population of fish (though those that are there tend to be large). Bankside vegetation is sparse and the land open so expect the trout here to be shy and requiring careful stalking. If they become aware of your presence they dive for cover under the tussock banks but with a cautious approach can be caught and when done so can be extremely energetic fighters.

An exposed region with a wide, unstable gravel bed, the prevailing nor’wester can handicap upstream fly anglers.

Fish numbers and size

Low stocks, in the range of 0.5-4.5kg

Access

SH94 follows the river from Mossburn until Bald Hill, then crosses it again 2km after the Mavora lakes intersection. Fly fishing from this bridge on Mt Nicholas Road is good. From Bald Hill to Mavora is foot access only.

Highway 94 Bridge at Mossburn offers easy river access and ample off-road parking. View the access map.

Description - Mossburn to Centre Bush

Fishing spots in this section tend to be open, sunny and pleasant. There are good, long glides and riffles. The confluence of Irthing River and the fall between Mossburn and Lumsden are popular spots with deeper pools. Fish can be a little difficult to spot.

Fish numbers and size

Low to moderate fish numbers up to 2kg.

Access

A number of bridges cross this section, including Dipton, Benmore and Centre Bush. At Dipton Bridge there is a gravel access road, while the other two bridges have walking tracks. View the access map.

Description - Centre Bush to New River estuary

The first 4km from the sea mouth consists of gravel and sand beaches without weed banks, leaving fish exposed n shallow water. The best time is half tide with low water in a westerly wind.

This section gives way to 9km of weed and grass banks so a spinning rod or feathured lure is ideal here. The hot spot is the Waikiwi Stream mouth. The tidal waters end up at West Plains Bridge. Fish are plentiful and stick close to the banks.

Fish numbers and size

Plentiful fish , 1-5kg, decreasing in size as the river heads north.

Access

Again, bridges are a good bet. The Otatara,
Ferry West Plains and Riverton Road bridges offer easy river
access. View the access map.

Nymphs:
Pheasant Tail and other mayfly patterns, Hare and Copper.

Dry flies:
Dad’s Favourite, Blue Dun, Adams (tied parachute style), Caddis, Red Tipped Governor, Coch-y-Bondhu, Dark Red Spinner

Wet flies / Streamers:
Purple Grouse, Hardy’s Favourite, Invicta, Greenwell’s Glory.

Spinners: Tasmanian Devil, Black Toby, red Tasmanian Devil, Veltic and Mepps.

Tributaries of the Oreti River include:
- Irthing River, joined by Acton and Cromel rivers

- Windley River
- Murray Creek
- Dipton Stream

- Oswald

- Dilston Stream

Note this is a back country fishery requiring a special licence.