Dingle Burn is a small, remote, very attractive
stream that provides anglers with the chance to experience the very
best of backcountry fishing in a wonderful high country setting.
Brown
and rainbow trout (with a few brook trout or fontinalis in the
small and remote Dingle Tarn). Fish average around 1.5kgs
Situation
Dingle Burn drains the mountains
in the Huxley Range and flow generally south before turning
sharply to enter the remote north eastern arm of Lake Hawea
Dingle
Burn is a small quite boisterous water that flows down a tussock
grass and beech treee lined valley. The river is divided into
three main area; the lower reaches just before the river enters
the lake. This section is braided and does not have the ability
to hold a large resident population of fish due to it being
flood prone and unstable. The fishing where the river enters
the lake can be very good as cruising trout can often be spotted.
Above the lower section the river flows
through a gorge which holds a reasonable number of fish in
the pocket water made up of a series of deep pools punctated
by short fast runs. This section is best fished in late summer
when the water flow is at its lowest and fish can be sighted
in the clear water. Short accurate casts are required.
The most popular section is the upper reaches
and headwaters where the river opens out allowing for good
walking and casting. The river here is fast flowing and the
water clear. Fish can be spotted in the runs (though may be
difficult to see in the faster water). These fish are used
to anglers and so great care and stealth is needed to ensure
success.
Acccess
While there
is a track to the mouth of the river, it is over private land
and is not for the faint-hearted. Anyone trying to use this
track need to get permission from Dingle Burn Station and
have a good 4 wheel drive vehicle. Otherwise the river mouth
can be reached by boat and the upper reaches by a long walk
or by helicopter.
Methods
This is ideal fly fishing water
although it is also open to spin fishing. Fish with weighted
nyphs to get down through the fast water to where the fish are
lying.
Recommended tackle
Rods of around 9 feet capable
of casting a weight 5 -6 line. Long leaders are also recommended.
Dry flies:
Attractor patterns such as a Royal
Wulff and other large bushy flies that remain visible
(and bouyant) in the fast water. Also try Ants
and Beetles
in the summer months.
Wet flies:
Small wets and spider
patterns can work well, especially in the evening at the
river mouth.
Spinners: Very
small bladed spinners such as a mepps.
Tributaries
There are no tributaries of
note.
Regulations
1
Applicable to
Dingle Burn above the bridge
on the Dingle Burn Station access road
