Puketotara Stream Fishing

Access map

Access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
P05 Kaikohe

Upper reaches

There is access to the upper Puketotara Stream next to the SH10 bridge, 200 meters north of the Waimate North Road turn-off. From this point, anglers have access to the true right bank for some 4km upstream.

Lower reaches

A Fish and Game access point is sign-posted at the bridge on Golf View Road, Kerikeri, which leads to the Kerikeri golf club. This gives access to a limited length of fishable water:

- 350metres upstream on the true right bank, and

- 200 metres downstream on the true right bank.

By going downstream, the angler can cross the river to gain access to the confluence of the Puketotara with the Kerikeri River.

Access map

See the Puketotara Steeam access map.

Nymphs: In the upper and middle reaches, lightly weighted stoneflies and mayfly patterns such as Pheasant Tail, Halfbacks and Hare and Copper in sizes 14 to 18.

Dry flies: Popular patterns include Royal Wulff, Adams, Blue Dun, Coch-y-Bondhu, green beetle patterns (during the early summer), and cicada and cricket patterns late in the summer.

Wet flies / Streamers: Small bully patterns such as Mrs Simpson and Hamill's Killer during the day and dark patterns such as Craig's Night-time and Scotch Poacher during the evening and at night. In the middle and upper reaches use small wee-wets such as March Brown, Greenwell's Glory, Red Governor and Hardies Favourite during the evening rise when fish are often taking emerging insects just subsurface.

Spinners: Black and gold Tobys and silver Tobys in the lower reaches, and small bladed spinners such as Mepps or Veltic in the middle and upper reaches. As this is a predominantly rainbow fishery, brighter colours such as gold and red tend to work well during the day.