Lake Clearwater

Access map

Access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
J36 Mt Harper / Mahaanui

Lake Clearwater is a challenging and at times frustrating fishery. It is subjected to the strong northwesterly wind that seems to blow almost constantly. There is little shelter on the lake from the wind which can make fishing very difficult at times. The water appears slightly tinged with colour but is clear enough to be able to spot cruising fish on those days when the wind is absent.

Due to the wind, the best time to fish is early in the morning, or during the evening when the wind sometimes drops. When flyfishing from the shore it is possible to move around the lake so that the wind is blowing from behind.

The road to Lake Clearwater is well signposted from Mount Somers on State Highway 72. This road take you directly to the small settlement of Lake Clearwater, from which a number of paths and walkways lead to various sections of the lake.

See the access map and the list of Ashburton lakes access points.

Most fishing is shorebased, with streamer flies being the most popular method, and otherwise spin fishing. Trout will rise to take terrestrial insects that blow onto the lake.

When the conditions are right, i.e. the wind is not too strong, it is possible to stalk cruising trout along the shallows using light floating or intermediate lines. During the warmer weather, when surface activity is spotted, large bushy flies with a trailing nymph can be productive.

When the wind is blowing, heavier lines are necessary. Because the lake shelves gradually, floating or very slow sinking lines are recommended.

The air around Lake Clearwater is very clear and trout are easily spooked by aerial casting over the water. False casting should be kept to a minimum under these conditions.

Dry fly: Large bushy flies such as a Humpy or Coch-Y Bondhu can work well during late summer.

Nymphs: Dark nymphs in damsel or dragonfly patterns.

Wetflies: The most popular flies a large wet streamers in bully patterns such as Hamill's Killer, Mrs Simpson or a Woolly Bugger.

Spinners: Spinners such as Toby's and Rapalas in dark colours.

3 Nov-30 Apr (opens on the first Saturday in November)

Trout: 2