New Zealand Fly Fishing Guides - Ben Kemp

New Zealand Fly Fishing Guides - Ben Kemp

Home Link To Us Privacy Policy

Lake Brunner

"Where the Brown Trout Die of Old Age!"

New Zealand

Contact Us
Local Rivers & Streams
Guide to NZ Fishing
Guide Profile
Wilderness Camping Trips
Rates
Accommodation
Fly Shop
Angling Reports
FAQ's
Client Debriefs
Fly Casting School
Corporate Programme
Fly Fishing School
Location Map
Rental Car Options
Tours to Thailand
NZ Weather
The NZ Culture
NZ Outdoors
NZ Links
Search NZ

Fishing Guide Menu

Freestone Rivers
Spring Creeks
Lakes & Stillwaters

Locations Menu

Up
Ahaura River
Arnold River
Crooked River
Orangipuku River

Arnold River West Coast New Zealand

The Arnold River drains Lake Brunner, leaving the lake at Moana, to the right of the launching ramp. It runs approx 24kms down to its confluence with the Grey River at the town of Stillwater. The Arnold is one of the regions premier rivers, but is significantly overgrown with willows in some sections. Much of the margin is inaccessible, with native forest to the edge, but for those prepared ot bash through the jungle, the rewards can be substantial. The lake acts as a giant filter, so the river is seldom discoloured. The bed is stable, allowing for significant aquatic plant growth, and consequently it has the most prolific insect life of any local river - this means good hatches, especially caddis.. 

Arnold River Fly Fishing Trips West Coast, New Zealand

The beginning of the Arnold River on the north-west corner of with Lake Brunner, Mt Alexander in the centre background, Mt Te Kinga in right foreground..

The Arnold is a  river with a split personality. The upper section, Moana to Kotuku, is calm, slow-moving and placid. Below the confluence of Molloy Creek, the pace quickens and the lagoon-like atmosphere evaporates in a heartbeat. 

It travels some 24 kms to Stillwater, where it joins the Grey River. Midway down its length, there is a small hydro electric power station, and the dam creates a small lake up as far as Stony Creek. 

Below the power-station, the river is Grade II+, with some Grade III rapids, and kayakers and rafters are somewhat bemused to see the drift boat bobbing along fishing through this stuff!

Last big rapid before the Kokiri bridge - note the broken oar! 

Guide is very nonchalant, as Rob Caldwell paddles with the busted oar!

 After all the excitement is sorted out, we resume the trip with the spare breakdown oar. Kokiri to Stillwater is fast water all the way, with a couple of nice pools where we can get out and walk upstream to fish.

Arnold River Fly Fishing Trips West Coast, New Zealand
The dynamic duo - Rob & Rob removing the hook and pose before release

The drift boat at rest, not far above Stillwater

Ahaura River Arnold River Crooked River Orangipuku River
 


Contact Us - Guide to NZ Fishing - Angling Reports - FAQ's Rates - Accommodation - Location Map - References - Rental Cars


Kingfisher New Zealand Fly Fishing Guides  

Guides - Lodge

- 100% New Zealand Fly Fishing Guides -


Copyright © 1998 Kingfisher