| Fish type |
The river supports a huge population of rainbow trout, mostly
under 1 kg in size though some grow to reasonable sizes . |
| Situation |
The Waimakariri Stream is spring
fed and rises in the hills north east of the township of Putaruru.
In the upper reaches, upstream from where it is crossed by State
Highway 5, the river is small but surprisingly powerful. Downstream
to the confluence with the Waihou River it tends to meander
over open farmland. |
| Maps |
Access
map
Access
map with topography
LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series,
1:50,000)
T15
Putaruru |
| F&G pamphlet |
Fish
and Game access pamphlet >>> |
| Description |
The Waimakariri
is a cold spring fed stream that remains clear except after
the heaviest rain. In the upper reaches the river tends to
run between heavily vegetated banks making wading necessary.
Anglers should beware that it is deceptively strong and caution
needs to be applied to avoid a cold dunking.
In the lower reaqches below the State Highway
5 bridge, the river flows more sedately over open farmland.
Fish can be easily spotted inthe clear water (but the fish
can also easily spot the uncautious angler). There can be
a lot of weed in the stream which provides good cover and
a good source of food for the huge fish population. Fishing
along these weedbeds can be very productive even when fish
are not visible. |
| Access |
Upstream
from State Highway 5, the stream runs alongside the Waimakariri
road allowing good access at a number of points. There is
also an esplanade reserve that extends up form the bridge
for approximately 2kms.
Downstream fromn the SH5 bridge, an esplanade
reserve extends along both banks for approximately 2kms. Otherwise
seek permission from the landowners along Sommerville Road. |
| Methods |
The Waimakariri is ideal nymph
and dry fly water. |
| Recommended tackle |
The clarity of the water and
the relatively small size of the stream neccesitates the use
of light tackle. Rods of 4 -5 weight are ideal though wind along
the valley can sometimes be a problem. Long fine tippets are
alos necessary. For those wishing to spin fish this water, very
small bladed spinners such as mepps or veltics are best. |
| Recommended lures |
Dry
flies: During the early summer beetle patterns and
cicada patterns in late summer work well during the day. Otherwise
try smaller patterns such as a Twilight Beauty or Blue Dun
Nymphs: Small
nymphs such as Hare and Coppers, Pheasants Tails and Halfback
patterns are all effective.
Wet flies:
Small wets such as a Greenwells Glory or March Brown
fished through the faster water can induce some very hard
takes.
Spinners: Very
small bladed spinners such as veltics or Mepps |
| Tributaries |
The major tributary of note
is the Waipare Stream |
| Regulations |
| Applicable to |
Waimakiriri Stream |
| Region |
Auckland/Waikato
regulations |
| Season |
All year |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner |
| Bag limits |
<30cm:
No limit
>30cm: 2 |
