Ohikanui River Trout Fishing

The Ohikanui River is a small very scenic tributary of the Buller River that produces good fishing throughout the season for a good head of brown trout.

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Fish type	Brown trout
Situation	The mouth of the Ohikanui River is approximately 20kms from Westport on SH 6
Setting	The Ohikanui River is a very scenic small river that flows northwards to join the Buller River nland from Westport.
Maps	Access map Access map with topography LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000) K29 Westport for the lower reaches K30 Punakaiki for the remote headwaters
F&G pamphlet	West Coast Sports Fisheries access pamphlet >>>
Description	The Ohikanui mostly flows through native bush over a boulder and stone bed and provides good fishing for any angler prepared to walk some distance. The water is generally very clear and is swift and rough in some sections. Generally fish can be spotted in the long runs and pools. Faster water can productively be fished blind.
Fish numbers and size	There are good fish number and mostly in the 2-3lb range.
Ease of fishing	A moderately difficult river to fish as it involves considerable walking and wading to get to the more isolated areas.
Access	The only access point is at the confluence with the Buller on State Highway 6 about 20kms inland from Wesport.
Recommended lures	Nymphs: Small Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tail variants and any small straggly looking nymph in small sizes (size 16 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. Green Beetles are effective in early summer and Cicada patterns from late summer are very effective. Use bushy flies in the faster boisterous water. Wet flies: Small wet flies such as March Brown, Greenwell's Glory or sedge emerger patterns work well throughout the days when fished under the ample vegetation and are particularly effective in the evening rise. Spinners: Small bladed spinners such as Veltic or Mepps.
Regulations
Applicable to	Ohikanui River
Region	West Coast >>>
Season	1 Oct-30 Apr
Methods	Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit	Total sports fish: 2
Size limit (cm)	No limit

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