The Acheron is a highland river that joins the Clarence River near the small settlement of Hamner Springs. It is a challenging environment, sometimes with strong winds, heavy rain and freezing temperatures, in which to fish for large brown trout. Much of the landscape is open country with little vegetation to break the strong winds that can often blow here.

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Via Hanmer

Drive north from Hamner Springs on the gravel Jacks Pass Road. At the intersection with Tophouse Rd (9km from Hanmer) turn downstream following the Clarence River to its confluence with the Acheron (a further 7km). A hydro road follows the Acheron for many kilometres upstream. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. See the upper Clarence River access map and the the Acheron River access map.

Trial access to the lower Acheron

There is limited vehicle access to spring fishing opportunities in the lower Acheron River catchment of the Molesworth Recreation Reserve between Saturday the 1st of November until Sunday 16th of November 2008 inclusive, as part of a trial worked out between Fish and Game, DOC and Landcorp Farming. Vehicle access is available from the Acheron Accommodation House end of the road up to a locked gate on the Yarra River confluence some 28 km upstream during daylight hours only, with walking access to the Acheron River adjacent and upstream. Landcorp Farming has asked that anglers not disturb calving cows in the Alma and Severn River catchments at this time. DOC and Fish and Game staff will be in the area to ensure that the trial works effectively. Camping sites will be available near the Acheron Accommodation House.

Via Molesworth Station

When the Acheron Road through Molesworth Station is open to the public you can drive following the Acheron River upstream. See the Acheron River access map.

The road is scheduled to open on Dec 28th each year between 7am and 7pm for more than 13 weeks, weather and road conditions permitting, but the road can be closed at short notice if the fire risk is high.  Anyone planning to make the road journey should first check that the road is open by calling DOC South Marlborough Area Office, ph: +64 3 572 9100, or the DOC Nelson Regional Visitor Centre, ph: +64 3 546 9339.

DOC advises that careful and slow driving is needed on the narrow, unsealed road. It is suitable for two-wheel drive cars but not for caravans or vehicles over seven metres long.

Further information and a map of Molesworth Station can be found at the DOC website.

Nymphs: This river reponds best to lightly-weighted nymphs such as size 14 - 16 Hare and Coppers, Pheasant Tails or Green Stone Fly patterns. More weight may be required to get to the larger fish spotted in the deeper pools and runs.

Dry flies: Coch-y-Bondhu, Molefly, Royal Wulff and Humpy patterns. Flies are best in the 10 - 12 size range.

Wet flies: Small wets such as Greenwell's Glory, March Brown and emerger sedge fly patterns in sizes 12 - 14 work well when fished sub-surface through the riffles and in the evenings.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners (Mepps or Veltic) fished upstream into the faster water or through the deep pools. 

Trout: 1 October - 30 April
Salmon: Closed

2 trout (with only one fish exceeding 500mm in length)

Trout: 1 October - 30 April

Salmon: Closed

2