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Kohaihai River

The Kohaihai River is a small stream that contains a moderate head of brown trout.
Fish type Brown trout
Situation 1.5 hours from Westport
Setting The Kohaihai is a small river that rises in the Tasman Mountains and flows west to enter the Tasman Sea at the northernmost end of the West Coast road where the Heaphy Track begins (or ends).
Maps

Access map
Check conditions View the MetService weather forecast
Description This small isolated river flows over stones and shingle and through native bushland. Its waters tend to carry some colour from the forest making the spotting of fish more difficult.
Fish numbers and size The river has a low to  moderate numbers of fish mostly in the 2-3lb range.
Ease of fishing A moderately challenging river requiring anglers to walk to the most promising areas.
Access Access is via the West Coast road that takes you to the lower reaches. The rest is accessed by walking.
Recommended lures

Nymphs: Small Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tail variants and any small straggly looking nymph in small sizes (size 14 -  16 preferred) work well. Some weight may be required in the deeper and faster sections. Dark coloured flies are more effective in this water.

Dry flies: Small winged patterns such as Greenwell's Glory, March Brown or Adams  are all effective. Green Beetles are effective in early summer and Cicada patterns from late summer.

Wet flies: Small wet flies such as March Brown, Greenwell's Glory or sedge emerger patterns patterns work well throughout the days when fished under the ample vegetation and are particularly effective in the evening rise.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners such as Veltic or Mepps.
Regulations (1)
Applicable to Kohaihai River upstream of Heaphy Track Bridge
Region West Coast
Season 1 Oct-30 Apr
Methods Artifical fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit Rainbow trout:  2
Brown trout :  2
Size limit (cm) No limit
Regulations (2)
Applicable to Kohaihai River downstream of Heaphy Track Bridge
Region West Coast
Season

 All year
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit Rainbow trout:  2
Brown trout :  2
Size limit (cm) No limit

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