Larry's Creek Trout Fishing (The Awarau)

Access map
Access map with topography

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

This is a wonderful small river to fish (it is sometimes called Larry's Creek but don't be fooled. It is a big river in places and can be challenging to cross at most times of the season). The upper reaches require the angler to walk some distance but the deep pools in this section hold good numbers of large fish.

The middle and lower reaches run reasonably close to roads to provide reasonable access. Once a short way up the track it is usually necessary to bash through some bush to get to the river. Once there however, the banks are generally reasonably open and you can move up or downstream. You may need to cross at times though and this can be difficult if the water is high.

The river runs over a gravel, and stone bed and has a mixture of fast water and pools (some deep). The golden stones give the water a honey coloured hue and this can make the fish difficult to spot. This stream is best fished either late or early in the season as it can become quite low during the warm dry months. Wind at times can also be a problem as it funnels down the valley. The river is much smaller above the old Caledonian Mine though for those who like to fish real wilderness waters, there can be excellent fishing in these upper reaches.

Nymphs: Small Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tail variants and any small straggly looking nymph in small sizes (size 16 or even 18 preferred) work well. Some weight may be required in the deeper and faster sections.

Dry flies: Small winged patterns such as Greenwell's Glory, March Brown or Adams are all effective as trout are prepared to rise on this river. Green Beetles are effective in early summer and Cicada patterns from late summer are very effective. Use bushy flies in the faster water.

Wet flies: Small wet flies such as March Brown, Greenwell's Glory or sedge emerger patterns work well throughout the days and are particularly effective in the evening rise.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners such as Veltic or Mepps fished through the deep pools (allow to sink for the best results) or upstream into the faster water.

Trout: 1 Oct-30 Apr

Salmon: 1 Oct-30 Apr