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TROUT FISHING WITH MAURICE RODWAY - Weekly Column: January 4, 2002
 Southland, New Zealand

The Mararoa River

New Zealand is a land with a great diversity of landscapes and climates, all packed into a small area so, by comparison with other countries, there is a greater density of rivers and trout waters. Of all the regions of New Zealand, Southland probably has the greatest diversity of rivers from which to fish.

Of all the rivers in Southland the Mararoa offers the greatest diversity of fishing opportunities. Its headwaters flow over a tussock plain. The water is as clear as glass. The trout population is fairly sparse, but it improves as the river approaches the North Lake. This lakeis a good fishery in itself, both for anglers trolling in the middle, and those stalking the shore. Shore line anglers need to be wary of strange characters lurking in the beech forest.  The shore and the waters of the lake witnessed the final battle that split the fellowship of the ring and left Frodo and Sam to find their way to Mordor alone.

The river that leaves the North Lake has trout in it too but does not have a good reputation for being a good trout fishery. It should be as it has a stable flow and it is a good size. Perhaps its trout are too wary for me.

The South Mavora Lake is a tranquil gem in a blanket of beech forest. It has lovely sandy beaches along which trout cruise. By December the water close in shore is probably a little warm to be ideal for trout so  they live offshore in the deeper, cooler water. In the evening they may investigate the water flowing in from the North Lake.

The best part of the Mararoa begins at the outlet of the South Lake. The water leaves the lake confidently enough but then becomes uncertain of its journey as it dallies in a huge pool overhung with ancient beeches frilled with lichens. It then plunges headlong on a sleigh ride to the Waiau. At first, over waterfalls, then through rapids that occasionally slow into deeper runs where the worlds brightest rainbows live. 

It travels down beside developed pasture and slows a little where big brown trout lurk. When Manapouri's Cathedral Peaks come into view it is wide and braided in places. Its banks of tussock and matagouri replaced by gorse and willow. Unlike the open vistas upstream the lower reaches are hemmed in and passage along its banks is a trial of scratchiness and perilous river crossings. Some say this is where the best fishing is, but most like it farther upstream.

Its last act is to surge out of a narrow gorge then mingle with Waiau and head purposefully to the sea.

Maurice Rodway
Southland, New Zealand                           E-mail: mrodway@southlandfishgame.co.nz

Article © 2002 Maurice Rodway, All Rights Reserved.

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