New Zealand Fly Fishing Guides - Ben Kemp

New Zealand Fly Fishing Guides - Ben Kemp

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Lake Brunner

"Where the Brown Trout Die of Old Age!"

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Orangipuku River

Orangipuku River

Orangipuku River flows into the south-east corner of Lake Brunner. At this point it appears quite large, slow-moving and deep, and this lower section is more of a lagoon than a river. Access to the river mouth is via a foot-track from the Mitchells road at Rocky Point.   

Orangipuku River west coast new zealand

Fishing at the river mouth can be excellent, particularly when lake levels are low. High lake levels preclude access. Sight fishing in the shallows adjacent to the river channel during a bright sunny day, you will usually see a lot of trout. Cruising slowly in inches of water, hunting cockabullies, they can be tempted with almost any of the bully-imitation lures. It is common to see two or three tin dinghy's anchored at the river mouth on summer weekends, with earnest fly fishermen flicking morsels at passing trout. 

As is evident from the map at left, there is a wide, shallow region extending from the rivemouth at Swan Bay, right across to Uncle's Bay at the foot of Mt Te Kinga. Extending out from the shore line for several hundred metres, it is 1-2 metres deep inshore and 4-6 metres out on the edge, before dropping away deep. Huge weed beds provide abundant shelter and sustenance for trout. Over  the 40 years I've fished the lake, the best conditioned fish are usually to be found in this corner. Trout will happily take nymphs, and dry flies too, on occasion. Fishing a dry with a dropper is a good option - a cicada imitation with a flashback-style nymph can often do the trick. I usually flick this 3-4 metres in front of a cruising trout, and give it a little twitch when he is a metre or two away.   

The wide and deep section of the river runs up almost a kilometre, to the point where the small loop shows on the sharp left bend. Though the deep section, fish may often be observed rising along under the overhanging trees in summer, picking off errant terrestrials.

The loop itself can be good for a fish when the lake is at normal to high levels. A former river channel, it is connected to the river at both ends, and a shallow-drafted boat can navigate carefully right around it, logs notwithstanding. Paddles, rather than propellors, are in order here! In the photo at left, the loop entrance is approximately 100 metres downstream on the left. A very cautious approach upstream through this section usually reveal several trout - anywhere there is water. The shallows along the left side will often have a rising trout. Every log and stump hides a fish.... 
Another 100 metres, and you see the numbers of tree trunks, stumps and debris that lines portion of the now shallower river. Crystal waters make for wonderful visibility - for both trout and angler! Sheltered from the winds, the reflections in the river can be superb.  
Around the curve, and the river speeds up, and starts to look like a real river... several channels here, log jams, and usually a fish or two for your troubles. Keeping them away from the hazards is always good for a laugh from the guide....  In this picture, Brendon Murry hooks up to a nice trout among the tangle of trees.... he guides this one right through the shallows he is standing in, and subdued it in the pool below.

The dapper Mr Hawkins (see story)could manage it - a quick pose for the camera, and then released to fight another day. Above this point another 200 metres, bush closes in on both banks as the river deepens. It is necessary to fight your way through the scrub for 200-300 metres, before the river shallows enough to wade.
In this section, the river is little more than a small stream. In mid-summer, when the lake heats up and oxygen levels drop, trout often take refuge in the fast water. On other days, it is sometimes possible to walk the length of the river and not see a fish...  Hooking them is one thing... landing them is quite another.... and the odds are in the fish's favour, especially if he's heavier than the tippet being used! 

Orangipuku River west coast new zealand

Putting the brakes on is the only way to keep them out of the stumps - we use 6lb fluorocarbon tippets, and leaders of 14-16 ft. Hare's Ear Flashback nymphs, size 14-16 or smaller.... The river becomes progressively smaller as we move upstream. As we approach the Mitchells road again, the river slows and transforms into a long, slow pool, overhung with trees right to the bridge. 

Above the bridge, fish are few and far between and the river steadily shrinks and becomes unfishable due to overhanging trees etc.  

Orangipuku River, West Coast, New Zealand

Ahaura River Arnold River Crooked River Orangipuku River
 


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