Waimea River Trout Fishing

The Waimea river drains the Waimea Plain near to Nelson. It is fed by three tributaries (the Wairoa, the Roding and the Lee rivers) in its headwaters, each of which provide challenging fishing for trout in crystal clear waters. The tributaries join into the Waimea near the town of Wakefield and then flow across mostly farmland. As the river nears the sea it widens and becomes affected by the tidal movement.

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
N27 Moutere for the lower reaches
N28 Golden Downs for the upper reaches and headwaters

The Waimea has many access points throughout its length. State Highway 60 (Nelson to Motueka) crosses the Waimea in its lower reaches with a small road giving access to a good section both up and down stream. State Highway 6 crosses at Brighwater and the Aniseed Valley road gives good access to the headwater and tributaries. An easy river to fish in the lower and middle reaches though a little more difficult through the gorge area and in the headwaters.

See the access map.

Nymphs: Small nymphs (sie 14 or smaller) such as Hare and Copper and any Pheasant Tail variant works consistently.

Dry flies: Small Adams, Greenwell's Glory, Hardies Favourite or March Brown flies work well throughout the day. Try cicada patterns later in the summer.

Wet flies: Small wets such as March Brown, Invicta, Greenwell's Glory work well especially during the evening. In the lower reaches a large Grey Ghost or Jacks Spratt work well during the day or a big dark fly such as a Hairy Dog, Scotch Poacher or Craig's Night-Time during the late evening or night.

Spinners: Spiners are best in the lower reaches especially when the Whitebait are running. Try any silver pattern such as a Silver Toby during the day and dark patterns such as a Black Toby or Tasmanian Devil in the evening or night.