Pomahaka River Trout and Salmon Fishing

The Pomahaka holds brown trout and sea salmon (plus perch).

In the headwaters, the trout are large (2-3 kg) but few. In the middle and lower reaches, there are smaller fish (0.5-1.5 kg) but more of them.

Returning sea salmon average 2-6 kg. However, an 11kg salmon was landed by a Tapanui man, Jason Stuart, in February 2008. The fish didn't fit in the boot of his car so had to be transported home on the back seat. Jason reported two or three other salmon of a similar size in the hole where he was fishing.

Lower Pomahaka River maps

Access map
Access map with topography

Mid and Upper Pomakaka River maps

[Full length Pomahaka map coming soon0]

LINZ topographic maps: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
G43 Roxburgh
F44 Waikaia

G44 Beaumont
G45 Tapanui

A conservation order, designed to provide for the unimpeded migration of fish, prohibits damming of the Pomohaka River except for stockwater supply purposes. For more details refer to the Otago Regional Council website and the Regional Water Plan.

Description

In the headwaters, the Pomahaka is a classic high-country stream with steep gorges, deep pools and clear, slightly tea-stained water.

Access

Leithen picnic area to Conical Hill

Description

In the middle reaches, the river flows mainly through flat pasturelands with a gravel bed.

Access

Description

In the lower reaches, there is a series of gorges and flats, and the water is darker in colour making it harder to spot the fish.

Access

Variants of the mayfly at different stages of its lifecycle should be tried on all parts of the river.

Nymphs: Large weighted nymphs in the headwaters, including Hare’s Ear and Pheasant Tail. In the middle and lower reaches in summer, Willow Grub is a must.

Dry flies: Terrestrial type dry flies in the headwaters such as Coch-y Bondhu and Grasshopper

Wet flies:

Spinners: Veltic, Toby, or articulated trout