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Haupiri River

 

An excellent fly water especially in its upper reaches where there is a good population of medium to large brown trout.
Fish type Brown trout
Situation Approximately 55kms from Greymouth
Setting The Haupiri River is a major tributary of the Ahaura River which in turn feeds the Grey River. It has two branches. One flows out of Lake Haupiri and tends to be tea-colour stained for much of the year while the rain fed branch which joins the other branch a short distance from Lake Haupiri, rises in bush clad hills and is generally very clear.
Maps

Access map
Check conditions View the MetService weather forecast
Description The Haupiri section that flows from Lake Haupiri fishes best in the upper reaches where it leaves the lake and flows over a shingle and stone bottom through mostly open land. It is wadeable though it is prone to flooding and after prolonged bad weather can be unfishable. The upper reaches are through a bush lined valley that is very scenic but more challenging to fish. Lake Haupiri is a very attractive lake that is best fished from a boat. The water is quite stained though it can fish well.
Fish numbers and size Fish numbers are good and are generally in the 2-4lb size range though there are also good numbers of larger fish to tempt the angler.
Ease of fishing The middle reaches below the lake are easy fish. The headwaters require some walking along a well defined track. The lower reaches are of less interest to the angler.
Access Turn off the Greymouth - Reefton highway at Ngahere and travel approximately 1km past Lake Haupiri where the road bridge crosses the river. See the Haupiri River access map.
Recommended lures

Nymphs: Small unweighted nymphs such as Pheasant Tail variants and Hares Ear, Hare and Copper.

Dry flies: Cicada patterns are very effective from late summer and beetle patterns work well in early summer.

Wet flies: Small wets such as Dad's Favourite, Hardies Favourite or March Brown work well.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners such as Veltic or Mepps in green or black are best (though a silver Toby can be effective early in the season at the confluence with the Ahaura.
Regulations
Applicable to Haupiri River
Region West Coast
Season 1 Oct-30 Apr
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit Rainbow trout:  2 

Brown trout :  2
Size limit (cm) No limit

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