Waitangitaona River Trout Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
I34 Harihari

G35, H35 & H34 - Franz Josef / Waiau (mouth)

As the Waitangitaona travels down from the hills it flows over mostly open tussock country. It is a fast river that bounces over a bed of rock and gravel and provides an ideal fishing habitat.

The open aspect of the river means it is easy to fish but the crystal clear waters and wary fish mean that it is a challenging river to catch fish.

Nymphs: Any caddis nymph, Pheasants Tail or Hare and Copper are favoured though they should be in a reasonable size such as 10 to 14. Use some weight to get them down in the faster water or pools where fish can be spotted. It will also be necessary to use quite long leaders in the clear water.

Dry flies: Fish respond to dry flies such as Adams, Geenwell's Glory, Dad's Favourite or Twilight Beauty throughout the day and into the evening when there can be an excellent rise. Keep well dressed flies in the 10 to 12 size range so that they remain visible in the fast boisterous water.

Wet flies: Small wets fished subsurface can be effective (such as Greenwell's Glory, Twilight Beauty or March Brown).

Spinners: Very small bladed spinners such as Veltic or Mepps are best.