HomeWest CoastWest Coast: Where to fishHapuka River

Hapuka River

 

The Hapuka River is a slow flowing river that is best fished from a boat using fly or spinning gear.

Fish type Brown trout with large sea run fish in the lagoon area. A few salmon
Situation Approximately 12 kms south of Haast township
Setting The Hapuka drains a swampy area and enters the Tasman Sea near the small coastal setting of Okuru.
Maps

Access map

Check conditions View the MetService weather forecast
Description A slow moving river with tea coloured water that drains a lowland swamp area.
Fish numbers and size Reasonable numbers of fish can be expected especially in the estuary area.
Ease of fishing This river is difficult to fish for the shoreline angler due to the swampy conditions and the dense shoreline vegetation. It is easily fished from a small boat however.
Access Access to the lower reaches is from the Haast - Jackson Bay road. Most of the fishable section of the river can be accessed by a small row boat. See the Hapuka River access map.
Recommended lures

Nymphs: This is not ideal nymph water

Dry flies: Small winged patterns such as Greenwell's Glory or Adams can sometimes be effective on a warm summer evening,

Wet flies: Any smelt pattern such as a Grey Ghost, Yellow or White Dorothy, Yellow Rabbit or Doll Fly can be effective when the whitebait are running

Spinners: Spinners such as Gold or Silver Toby patterns are best.

Regulations
Applicable to Hapuka River
Region West Coast
Season

Trout: All year

Salmon: 1 Oct-30 Apr

Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit Total sportsfish: 2
Size limit (cm) No limit

Other fishing waters of the region



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