Poolburn Dam Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
H42 Waipiata

Poolburn Dam is a quiet exposed water in Central Otago amidst some beautiful scenery. The surrounding land is very open and tussock covered providing little shelter in adverse weather conditions. The hills around the lake have many interesting rock formations (and there are some rocks that rise to just below the surface in the lake itself so if using a boat take care).

The lake has a number of islands which provide good trout habitat. Spin and fly fishing are the best methods to fish this water, though bait fishing with worms is legal and popular with younger anglers. Trolling is also popular but the number of submerged rocks can take their toll on lures (and outboard propellors!). There is no need to use deep sinking lead lines however as most anglers prefer to troll using normal spinning gear. Most fish caught are in fact close to the shore and the lake can have an excellent rise in the warmer months.

Trout cruise the shallows and will feed in very shallow water so long casting is not always necessary or advisable. During the warm weather any wind can blow a range of insects onto the surface which can induce a savage splashy rise. There is also an amazing midge and sandfly population and when these are hatching will bring trout to a feeding frenzy.

Road access

Road access is either south of Ida Valley, turning south off SH85; or continuing along the turn-off from Alexandra towards Upper Manorburn Dam.

The last 9km of the road to Poolburn is unmetalled and only accessible for use by 4WD vehickles during and following heavy rain.

Boat ramps

Boat ramps are situated:

- just south of the dam at Drunken Woman Bay

- in the north at Hutts Bay.
- at the north tip in Bonspiel Bay

See the access map.

Nymphs: Small Hare’s Ear, Rough nymphs, midge pupa patterns and damsel fly nymphs.

Dry flies: Brown and green beetles, Royal Wulff, and Coch-y-Bondhu early in the season. Then later Cicada, Black Gnat and Peveril of the Peak.

Wet flies/streamers: Mrs Simpson's yellow or red, Grey Ghost, Dorothy. , Green Woolly Bugger, Hamill’s Killer and Water-boatman.