| A magnificent view over the Rakaia River from just above the Rakaia Gorge. Over 20 years ago this area of the river was rarely fished. With jet boats and 4WD vehicles now more common anglers can fish almost every inch of the river. The best fishing in this upper section of the Rakaia River is later in the season between January and March. Salmon will have lost a fair bit of condition by the time they reach this far upstream and they will appear darker and pinkish in colour. Fishing access to the narrow gorge section is limited to jet boats. Once you get about 10 km above the gorge the river opens out again with good access for the angler on foot. The trout and salmon fishing season extends to the whole year below the Lake Coleridge Tailrace. You are not permitted to take salmon above the Lake Coleridge Tailrace at any time of the year. Once the salmon reach this point they are safe! There is also excellent trout fishing from the Rakaia River Gorge upstream. Look for pools containing permanent water and large boulders. To get an idea of the scale of the picture the white streak in the centre is the wake of a jet boat. Return to Rakaia River |
