Waikaia River Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

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

F43 Garvie

F44 Waikaia

River level, rainfall and river flow

View details and graphs at the Environment Southland website of the current Waikawa River river levels and rainfall

• At Piano Flat
• At Waikawa
• At Mahers Beach

Weather forecast

View the MetService weather forecast for Gore.

The headwaters of the Waikaia are remote and difficult to access. The river is generally clear however as it flows between bush-clad banks. But since section is not only difficult to fish but also holds few fish, it is less inviting to the angler.

In the stretch downstream from Piano Flat, the river opens out and flows mostly over farmland. Fish numbers in this section are very good though the water can become slightly discoloured, especially after any rain. The closer to the Mataura the more "tea-stained" the water tends to become. Wading is possible in this section and fish rise freely. Much of the fishing however is needed to be done blind as the fish can be difficult to spot except for during long dry spells and in bright conditions. This river is made up of a series of long glides, deep pools and riffles. Wading is possible, especially during the summer months.

Nymphs: Pheasant Tail, Hares Ear, and Hare and Copper all work well

Dry flies: Parachute Adams, March Brown, Kakahi Queen, Goddards Caddis and Dad's Favourite or other patterns that imitate caddis or mayflies.

Wet flies: Small hackled wee wets work well especially when fished through the riffles.

Spinners: Very small blades spinners (Veltic or Mepps style) or small Rapalas (that imitate a juvinile brown trout)