Grey River Trout Fishing

Upper Grey River maps:
Access map
Access map with topography

Lower Grey River maps:
Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
J31 Greymouth for the estuary and mouth
K31 Ahaura for the middle reaches
L31 Springs Junction for the upper reaches and headwaters

The headwaters are very remote and consist of the Upper Grey river and several tributaries that offer excellent fishing. This is fast powerful waters moving over a bed of rock and large boulders. The water can colour after heavy rain but is mostly clean and clear though as the water is so boisterous it is still difficult to spot fish in much of the fast swirling water. Wading is possible but the rocks can be very slippery and the current strong. A beautiful remote wilderness region for the energetic competent angler to explore.

The reaches above the small settlement of Ikamatua are very scenic and the river here runs over a Boulder and stone bed. The river flows over a mixture of open farmland, tussock country and bush and is a mixture of deep pools and fast moving glides punctuated by some boisterous rapids. The water is generally clear but the fish can be very wary of any attempt to catch them. This section can be waded in many areas especially in the mid to late season when the river is lower.

The middle reaches of the Grey are much larger having picked up the waters of several large tributaries. While much of this water is very suited to fly fishing, it is also excellent for spinning. The river is braided in places and flows over shingle and rock beds. The water is harder to spot fish in and does colour up after any heavy rain.

The lower reaches after the confluence with the Arnold sees the river become much larger and more suited to spinning though the fly angler will still find much sport especially where any small tributary enters the river. Good fishing can be had at the mouth and in the estuary areas when the whitebait are running.

Nymphs: In the upper reaches weighted flies are recommended such as a gold bead Hare and Copper or Pheasants Tail (sizes 12 - 16). In the middle reaches anglers should use smaller nymphs, especially during the warmer months when the river is lower and clearer. Again any Pheasant Tail variant or Hares Ear or Stone Fly patterns in sizes 14 or 16 work well. Use weighted flies in the deeper or faster water. The lower reaches require larger nymphs with some weight.

Dry flies: Bushy large dry flies work well in the very fast waters of the upper reaches. Any palmered fly that floats well in a size 8 - 12 works well though when a fish is sighted it is best to change to a smaller fly such as Royal Wulff or Twilight Beauty (Size 14). In the middle reaches small dry flies are more effective. Any Adams, Greenwell's Glory, Royal Wullf or Mole Fly can be effective and during the early summer a Green Beetle or a Cicada pattern from late summer work well during the day.

Wet flies: Small wets work very well during the evening when the fish are rising in the middle and upper reaches. Patterns such as a March Brown, Dad's Favourite or Greenwell's Glory are all effective and can be fished to rising fish or across and down rapids and riffles.

Spinners: Spinners work well best below the junction with the Ahaura river and are really the only effective method in the lower reaches. Black Toby patterns, Tasmanian Devils, Rapala work well in the lower reaches and Bladed spinners such as a Mepps or Veltic in the smaller water of the middle reaches. Try using a silver or gold spinner such as a Toby when the whitebait are running at the mouth of the Grey.

Trout: All year

Salmon: 1 Oct-30 Apr