In South Island, but the rivers are high - NOW WHAT?

[MCC]

Howzit Gary

My sister stays somewhere close to Christchurch. I'll find out if it is within range of your chosen rivers and whether they are happy to put up a friend and get back to you.

Which nights?

Cheers
MC

[Bruce]

Gary,
West coast is a good call - rivers drop faster in the rain.
Another great Stream to try if the La F is swollen is the Waitangitoana - Just up from the Heron Breeding colony...locals should be able to point you in the right direction...no problem in car.

[Korrie]

Hi Gary
Check the rivers in Mac Kenzie country. It is one of the drier areas in south island.
There is some good still waters, in Mackenzie country, if my memory serves me right.
Most accesable via car.
Check the Matuari river, have some big fish, sections can be fished from the bank, even when water is high. And the river stays fairly clean with rain.
The river near Wanaka is a tail water. It might be good, as there is a hydro station at the dam, upstream, which means the level is fairly consistent.
Will check my notes and see if there is more info

[KevinE]

Hi Gary,

I don't know SI waters very well so can't help much. But Buller will probably be clear. Also have a look at the Buller tribs near Murchison - Mangles and Matakitaki.

La Fontaine is a good option on the coast if waters are high. A few other decent spring creeks about too. Arnold near Greymouth is another good option in the wet as it is a tailwater.

Good luck!

[GGY]

Came right in the end - thanks for the tips though...

I wanted to fish La Fontaines, but did not get round to it.

In the end, I landed fish in 10 rivers (5 North Island, 5 South Island) up to 8 1/2lb, with most in the 4-5.5lb range.
Will post some pics soon.