Ahuriri River Trout Fishing

The Ahuriri River rises in the Southern Alps below Mt Huxley and between Lakes Ohau and Hawea. It flows on a curving easterly course into Lake Benmore near Omarama.

In summer this a hot wind-swept area. Mountain views partly compensate for the prevailing north-west wind which starts blowing down the valley in mid to late morning.

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
G38 Haast Pass
G39 Lake Hawea
H39 Omarama

For an up-to-date weather forecast:

• see the MetService website
• call MetPhone on 0900 999 03
  See the current cost per minute.

Description

Fish can be spotted in good water in the vicinity of Ben Avon Station where the river follows a convoluted course. Please ask permission before fishing here.

The backwaters often hold good fish but you need to cast downstream which is tricky because of drag.

Above Birchwood Station some cunning trophy-size brown trout reside in clear pools and runs, providing challenging fishing. Wading is not difficult and the river can be crossed between pools in places.

Fish numbers and size

Above Birchwood Station there are fewer fish but some trophy-size of up to 4.5 kg.

Access

Upstream from Omarama, access is from SH8 or from Birchwood Road which branches off SH8, 17km south of Omarama. The pristine upper river waters can be reached directly from the Birchwood Road or alternatively at Irelands Bridge or by walking down the Avon Burn.

See the access map.

Description

This part of the Ahuriri flows across tussock and lupin flats. It is a braided river, shingly, unstable and lined with willow trees. Fish across and down with spinners or flies, blind fishing likely-looking waters such as rapids, and sight-fishing. Note that the predominately rainbow trout, coloured a slate-grey, are diffcult to see unless they are moving

Fish numbers and size

Good stocks of brown and rainbow trout of 1-1.5 kg, especially between the SH8 bridge and Lake Benmore.

Access

SH8 Bridge: Downstream from Omarama, follow SH8 toward Twizel and either park just downstream of the bridge (just over 2 km from Omarama), or turn just after the SH8 bridge into Ben Omar Road and follow the gravel road into Ben Omar Station a short distance.

The Clay Cliffs: Drive over the SH8 bridge and continue for about 4.5 km; then, at the sign "The Cliffs", turn left into Henburn Road. Follow the directions to The Cliffs, following the rough road to where it runs parallel to the water. Please pay the requested tolls at the gates on the way.

See the access map.

Description

The convergence of the Ahuriri River with Lake Benmore is well-worth exploring. The extensive gravel delta offers easy-walking to excellent fishing in anad near the inflowing current. Take care as the sand is very soft in places especially on the edge of the water.

Access

Follow SH83 from Omarama through Glenburn Station for around 5.5km and walk for about 20 minutes along the anglers access track to the river mouth.

See the access map.

Dry flies: Greenwell's Glory, Red-tipped Governor, Peveril O'Peake, Coch-y-Bondu, Humpy, Wulff, Kakahi Queen, Molefly

Nymphs: Hare and Copper, Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail

Streamers: Mrs Simpson, Hope's Dark, Parson's Glory, Yellow Dorothy, Lord's Killer, Rabbit varieties, Hamill's Killer

Spinners: Black, Silver or Blue Slice, Zed Spinner, Tinker, Tiger