Mataura River Fishing

Upper Mataura maps:
Access map
Access map with topography

Lower Mataura maps:
Access map
Access map with topography

F46 Mataura
F45 Gore
F44 Waikaia
E44 Lumsden

River level, rainfall and river flow

View details and graphs at the Environment Southland website of the current Mataura River:

• River level and rainfall
• River flow

Weather forecast

View the MetService weather forecast for Gore.

Regarded by many as New Zealand's top dry fly water, the Mataura is a premier fishery offering over 150kms of fishable water. The prolific hatches of mayfly distinguish this river as trout will rise freely at all times of the day for this delicacy. The river generally runs clean and clear and mostly flows over open land and through stands of willows that line the banks.

Don’t be shy of shallow fishing as many brown trout will lie in waters hardly covering their backs.

The season runs from December to April.

Description: Fairlight to Cattle Flat

Although not as heavily fished as the lower reaches, the conditions here are excellent, even through the Nokomai Gorge.

Catching trout is a challenge during the day unless there’s a hatch of insects. Evenings are your best bet, when trout rise freely in good numbers.

You can easily cross the river at the tail of most pools, although watch for slippery stones.

Fish numbers and size

0.75-2.5kg

Access

Best reached from Parawa, just north of Nokomai Gorge via a shingle road on the east side.

Above Garston from SH6, you can gain across private farmland. Between Garston and Athol acces to the willow-lined river is easy across farmland.

See the Upper Mataura access map

Description - Cattle Flat to Gore

This stretch of slow-flowing river is the most popular. Below Waikawa, the river enlarges so you shouldn’t attempt to ford. As with the upper reaches, fish are difficult to spot.

Fish numbers and size

High numbers, 0.5-1kg and largest at Cattle Flat.

Access

Bridges, beaches and roads all give good river access, including Ardlussa, Waipounamu, Pyramid and Otamita bridges; Monaghan’s Beach; and Ardlussa-Cattle Flat road. There’s no vehicle access from Cattle Flat to Nokomai Station.

See the Upper Mataura access map

Description - Gore to the mouth

The river gets deeper here and the water quality is not good, particularly below Mataura Island. The stretch from Wyndham to Gore Road Bridge is especially favoured and easy enough to wade in.

Fish numbers and size

Prolific, up to 4.5kg.

Access

The road follows the river from Mataura to Gore so access is easy, particularly at Beattie’s Beach. There’s also good access at Gorge Road Bridge. On the west bank at Gorge Road township, the Hamill’s Road takes you to a great spot.

Lower Mataura River access map

In general, small flies work better on the Mataura.

Nymphs: Pheasant Tail.

Dry flies: Dad’s Favourite, Blue Dun, Adams (tied parachute-style), Caddis, Coch-y-Bondhu, Dark Red Spinner.

Wet flies / Streamers - Early season: Twilight Beauty, Purple Grouse, Adams. Mid-late season: Greenwell’s Glory, Dark Red Spinner, Red Tipped Governor.

Spinners: Tobys, Mepps , Rapalas, small Veltic.

Tributaries of the Mataura River include:
- Waikaia River
- Waikaka River
- Mimihau River
- Mokoreta River

- Otamita Stream (view photos)

- Waimea Stream