Crooked River Trout Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps: 1:50,000 (260 series)

The Crooked river offers very different fishing throughout its length. The lower reaches can be fished by boat (with there being particularly good fishing where it enters the lake). In the middle reaches from Te Kinga to the Crooked River Reserve there is excellent dry fly and nymph fishing though fish numbers are not high. The upper reaches are in backcountry and the water generally very clear offering the opportunity to stalk the larger fish in the runs and pools. The river mostly runs over rock and shingle and the further upstream you go the clearer the water is. The bridge on the Bell Hill - Inchibonnie road gives good access (and an excellent vantage point for those who raise their heads carefully above the railings to look upstream where a few large fish are usually feeding). The river directly above this bridge is harder to access as it flows for part of the way through a steep gorge.

The Crooked is a reasonable size river and has a number of long clear glides where fish can be spotted in the blue tinted water. The very clear water is often much deeper than it first appears and the fish may be lying lower than anticipated. Long leadrs and a stealthy approach are necessary.

Nymphs: Small nymphs such as Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tails and Caddis imitations all work well in sizes 14 or smaller.

Dry flies: Small flies such as Royal Wulff, Hardies Favourite, Dad's Favourite and March Brown all work well at all times of the day. In the more boisterous water use large visible palmered flies, especially in the hotter months when the river is low and very clear.

Wet flies: Small wets like Greenwell's Glory, March Brown and sedge emerger patterns work well when fished sub-surface. These flies are particularly effective when fishing the evening rise at the mouth of the river where it enters the lake or anywhere along the middle section below the confluence with the Evans River.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners (Mepps or Veltic) fished upstream into the faster water or through the deep pools are best for this small river.

Trout: 1 Oct-30 Apr

Salmon: 1 Oct-30 Apr