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Ohikanui River

The Ohikanui River is a small very scenic tributary of the Buller River that produces good fishing throughout the season for a good population of brown trout.
Fish type Brown trout
Situation The mouth of the Ohikanui River is approximately 20kms from Westport on SH 6
Setting The Ohikanui River is a very scenic small river that flows northwards to join the Buller River inland from Westport.
Maps

Access map
Check conditions View the MetService weather forecast
Description The Ohikanui mostly flows through native bush over a boulder and stone bed and provides good fishing for any angler prepared to walk some distance. The water is generally very clear and is swift and rough in some sections. Generally fish can be spotted in the long runs and pools. Faster water can productively be fished blind.
Fish numbers and size There are good fish number and mostly in the 2-3lb range.
Ease of fishing A moderately difficult river to fish as it involves considerable walking and wading to get to the more isolated areas where the best fishing is to be found.
Access The only access point is at the confluence with the Buller on State Highway 6 about 20kms inland from Wesport. From there it is necessary to walk.
Recommended lures Nymphs: Small Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tail variants and any small straggly looking nymph in small sizes (size 16 preferred) work well. Some weight may be required in the deeper and faster sections.

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 are very effective. Use bushy flies in the faster boisterous water.

Wet flies: Small wet flies such as March Brown, Greenwell's Glory or sedge emerger 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
Applicable to Ohikanui River
Region West Coast
Season 1 Oct-30 Apr
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit Brown trout: 2
Rainbow trout: 2
Size limit (cm) No limit

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