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Oparara River

 

The Oparara River is a small river that provides excellent backcountry fishing in a beautiful setting.
Fish type The river holds moderate numbers of brown trout in the 2-4lb range
Situation Approximately 10kms north of Karamea township
Setting The Oparara rises in the Fenian Ranges and flows west through native bush to the Tasman Sea just north of Karamea. A very remote small river that provides excellent fishing for those who are willing to walk a little for their sport.
Maps

Access map
Check conditions View the MetService weather forecast
Description The Oparara rises in the bush clad hills and travels due west to join the Tasman Sea. The banks are tree lined and a lot of the fishing needs the angler to be in the river. It flows over a shingle and rock bed and is quite swift in places.
Ease of fishing The lower reaches provide easy access and fishing though the more energetic angler prepared to walk into the headwaters will have a much better fishing experience.
Access See the Oparara River access map.
Recommended lures Nymphs: Nymphs such as Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tails and Caddis imitations all work well in sizes 10 - 14 or smaller. Some weight may be required to get the flies down through the faster water or to fish spotted in the deeper pools.

Dry flies: Small flies such as Royal Wulff, Hardies Favourite, Dad's Favourite and March Brown all work well at all times of the day. In the more boisterous water use large visible palmered flies, especially in the hotter months when the river is low and very clear.

Wet flies: Small wets like Greenwell's Glory, March Brown and sedge emerger patterns work well when fished sub-surface. These flies are particularly effective when fishing the evening rise. In the lower tidal reaches use a slow sinking line and a fly such as a Grey Ghost, Parson's Glory, Dorothy or Jack Spratt for the good number of sea-run fish.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners (Mepps or Veltic) fished upstream into the faster water or through the deeper pools. In the estuary and lagoon area use silver pattern minnow type spinners such as a Toby or Cobra between Oct to Dec to imitate the shoals of whitebait that enter the river and are irresistible to the trout.
Regulations (1)
Applicable to Oparara River upstream of Karamea Kohaihai Road
Region West Coast
Season 1 Oct-30 Apr
Methods Artifical fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit Total sports fish: 2
Size limit (cm) No limit
Regulations (2)
Applicable to Oparara River downstream of Karamea Kohaihai Road
Region West Coast
Season

Trout: All year

Salmon: 1 Oct-30 Apr
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit Total sports fish: 2
Size limit (cm) No limit

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