| Fish type |
There
is a large population of good sized brown trout – usually
around 1-2kg. |
| Situation |
The Waikaia has its headwaters
in the Umbrella Mountains and flows generally southwards to
join the Mataura
River at Riversdale. |
| Maps |
Access
map
Access
map with topography
LINZ
topographic maps: 1:50,000 (260
series)
|
| Check conditions |
|
| F&G pamphlet |
Mataura
River Anglers Access |
| Water quality |
The land is farmed throughout
most of the catchment with a relatively low stocking rate. As
at January 2008, there were problems with faecal bacteria in
the river, most likely to be caused by stock access to it. However
this does not affect the trout population. But anglers and other
river users are advised not to drink the water where sheep and
cattle have direct access to the river. |
| Description |
The headwaters
of the Waikaia are difficult to access and fish and less inviting
to the angler. The headwaters flow from high country with
vast areas of swamps and tussock land which means that the
water is cool and clear when it arrives on the plains. The
trees along the river’s margins provide good shade and
shelter. There are plenty of clear reaches also where anglers
can get to the river and fish for the abundant stocks of fish.
In the stretch downstream from Piano Flat,
the river opens out and flows mostly over farmland. It is
made up of a series of long glides, deep pools and riffles.
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.
Wading is possible, especially during the
summer months. But while there are lots of good sized trout
they are not easy to catch when the river is low and clear.
|
| Access |
Access to the river is via
the Riversdale-Waikaia-Piano Flat road. A track, the Waikaia
River Track, provides good walking access as well, especially
to the upper reaches. However, the headwaters are remote and
difficult to access.
|
| Methods |
This is ideal dry fly and nymph
water. |
| Recommended tackle |
Rods between weight 5 -7 are
ideal with leaders of around 12 feet. |
| Recommended lures |
Nymphs:
Pheasant Tail,
Hares Ear,
and Hare
and Copper all work well. In late summer when there is
a willow grub fall, use Willow
Grubs.
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) |
| Tributaries |
Two small tributaries, the Dome
Burn and Steeple Burn, are spawning streams for the Mataura
system and often hold trout early in the season. Some early
spawning fish may even enter them very late in the season if
water flows allow. |
| Regulations
(1) |
| Applicable to |
Waikaia River |
| Region |
Southland
regulations |
| Season |
Trout: 1 Oct-30
Apr
Salmon: 1 Oct-31 Mar |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner, bait.
Fishing from any boat or flotation device is not permitted. |
| Bag limit |
Total: 4
Salmon: 1 |
| Size limit (cm) |
No limit |
| Regulations
(2) |
| Applicable to |
Waikaia River tributaries |
| Region |
Southland
regulations |
| Season |
Trout: 1 Oct-30
Apr
Salmon: 1 Oct-31 Mar |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner, bait. |
| Bag limit |
Total: 2
Salmon: 1 |
| Size limit (cm) |
No limit |
