The Branch, the Leatham and Argyle Pond (Lake Argyle) Fishing

Branch and Leatham River maps:
Access map
Access map with topography

Argyle Pond maps:
Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)

View graphs at the Marlborough District Council website of recent:
- Branch river flow
- Branch rainfall

View MetService weather forecast for Blenheim

Argyle Pond

The lake can be fished from the shore or a boat. The canals that are part of this system around Argyle Pond can be fished with either fly or spinner though, due to the type of water, spinning is more popular and so more productive. The canal near the power station at the Lake Argyll outlet has steep banks making it difficult to fish. Below this, towards the Wairau, there are some open and safe areas.

Fish numbers and size

In Lake Argyle and the canals around the hydro canals, numbers are high with fish mostly in the 1-3lb range. In the river systems that feed into the lake the trout are bigger but fewer.

Access

Turn off State Highway 63, on to roads that run alongside the canals and lake. See the access map.

The Leatham and Branch River which fed into the lake also hold fish but the numbers are not high. Spinning is the most popular method though fly fishing is also effective.

Access

Turn off State Highway 63, on to the road that runs alongside the lower Branch and the lower Leatham.

Access to the upper reaches involves some walking and requires permission:

• for access to the upper Leatham, seek permission from Mr and Mrs Ryan of Leatham Station
• for access to the upper Branch please make enquiries to the Department of Conservation, Blemheim (03) 572 9100.

See the access map.

Nymphs: Heavy weighted nymphs such as Gold Bead, Hares Ear or Hare and Copper in sizes around 12 - 14 work best.

Dry flies: The faster water of the canals is best suited to a larger bushy fly such as a Royal Wulff, Humpy or Kakahi Queen.

Wet flies: Larger flies such as Mrs Simpson, Hamill's Killer or Red Setter work well.

Spinners: Bright red and gold Veltics or Mepps can be effective in the lake or associated canals.