Eglinton
River is magnificent trout fishing destination. Restricted to fly
fishing, its crystal clear waters and large trout population make
this a challenging fishery.
The Eglinton flows from Lake
Gunn and varies in character as it meanders towards Lake Te
Anau. Its riverbed is generally shingly, with well-defined pools
and bouldery runs created by gorges and ancient tributaries.
A premier
fly fishing river offering over 30kms of fishable water within
the beautiful Fiordland National Park. The river flows mostly
over open land with a stable shingle and stone bed between
tussock covered banks. It offers generally easy fishing conditions
though there are a few areas of beech bushland.
While generally very clear it can carry
some colour from glacial melt giving the water a turquoise
tinge. It can also flood very quickly and may take up to 4
days to clear after heavy rain. The lower and middle reaches
around Walker Creek tend to hold most stock but you can catch
trout as far up as Cascade Creek though the section above
there is virtually inaccessible.
The east branch is unstable and only worth
fishing near the confluence. There are a few trout is the
lower reaches of Smithy Creek, flowing through the tussock
just beyond Knobs Flat.
The best months are November to January
and April-May.
Fish size and numbers
Fish numbers are excellent and
average around 2kg. The river has strict conservation measures
in place, which alter from time to time. Check with the Te Anau
sports shop.
Access
A 4km gravel
road takes you to the mouth from Te Anau Downs, then SH94
follows the river’s west side upstream for its entire
length.
In places you’ll need to walk through
tussock flats and beech bush to reach the river.
