The bag limit for the small Maori Lakes and their tributaries is 2 fish per day. This is fly fishing only water. The fishing season runs from the first Saturday in November to 30 April. There is no winter season for the Ashburton Lakes. The Maori Lakes nestle on low ground approximately 6 kms from Hakatere Corner on the left of the Hakatere Heron Road just past the South Branch Ashburton River. The easterly of the lakes pictured is right next to the road and is easy to spot. Strong wind is usually a “challenge to overcome” when fishing these low exposed lakes.
The Maori Lakes are a challenge for any trout angler. These lakes are shallow with perhaps little more than a metre or so of water over the weed beds. Most of the shoreline is swampy and hidden by reeds. Only a few areas around the shore are accessible on foot.
The preferred, and permitted, method for fishing these lakes is by casting from an anchored dinghy. Once you get your boat into position you must drop your anchor before you commence casting. Harling, or casting from a drifting boat, is not permitted. Kayaks and float tubes are also permitted but again you must fish only while anchored.
When hooked trout invariable head for the Raupo and weed beds. Once in there they will be lost for certain. A landing net is an essential item for lifting a fish aboard.
The trout can be difficult to spot and most anglers resort to blind fishing with nymphs or wet flies. Hamills Killer, Mrs Simpson, or a green or brown Woolly Bugger have brought success on these lakes.
Ashburton Lakes Hakatere Corner, Lake Clearwater, Lake Camp, Lake Denny, Lake Emily, Lake Emma, Lake Heron, Lake Roundabout, Lake Spider and the two small Maori Lakes. Ashburton Trout Fishing Lakes MAP |
