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the west coast
Sea-run brown trout dominate the
swift rivers and small lakes pertaining to the rugged West Coast.
The extensive Grey River flows through Greymouth, offering
unsurpassed fishing waters. Lake Brunner, 40kms southeast, is the
largest lake on the coast, boasting adjacent accommodation
facilities.
The Hokitika river system attracts a run of sea-run brown trout
and salmon during February and March. Perch can also be
encountered, while the upper reaches supply rainbow trout.
Harihari, located 79kms south of Hokitika, is a great fishing
spot, however as rivers are glacier-fed look for clear waters
streams rather than milky rivers. Whataroa is a nearby fishing
centre boasting large catches, while brown trout and an
increasing number of salmon can be encountered at Lake Mapourika,
located ten kilometres south.
Two sea-side lakes near the Haast provide magnificent snow capped
mountain views as well as a good supply of sea-run brown trout
(averaging 2.25kgs), and recently established salmon.
Supplies of whitebait abound, due to sea access.
Lake Moeraki, 32kms north of Haast, is home to a fishing lodge
which rents boats, rods and whitebait nets, while Lake Paringa,
45kms north of Haast, has a combined lakeside motel and fishing
lodge, providing similar services.
Most lakes and rivers on the West Coast are open to fisherman
year round, however Lakes Moeraki and Paringa have a closed
season for salmon. You are allowed to capture six fish per day,
either salmon or trout, however Lake Brunner restricts catches of
rainbow trout to one per day.
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