Fish type, number
and
size
The Pomahaka holds brown trout and sea salmon (plus perch).
In the headwaters, the trout are large (2-3 kg) but few and far between.
In the middle and lower reaches, there are smaller fish (0.5-1.5 kg) but
more of them.
Maps
Returning sea salmon average 2-6 kg. Large salmon are also caught in
this section
The Pomahaka River rises south of Roxburgh in the Umbrella
Mountains, and winds through 125 km through West Otago farmland
before entering the Clutha River below Clydedale.
Access map by Google
Check conditions
View the MetService weather forecast
Situation
View the river flow.
View the rainfall.
Conservation order
A conservation order, designed to provide for the unimpeded migration
of fish, prohibits damming of the Pomohaka River except for stockwater supply purposes. For more details refer to the Otago Regional
Council website and the Regional Water Plan.
Upper reaches
In the headwaters, the Pomahaka is a classic high-country stream with
steep gorges, deep pools and clear, slightly tea-stained water.
Middle reaches
In the middle reaches, (from Leithen picnic area to Conical Hill) the
river flows mainly through flat pastureland The river is easily accessed
and flows over a mostly gravel bed.
Lower reaches
In the lower reaches, there is a series of gorges and flats, and the water
is darker in colour making it harder to spot the fish.
Recommended lures Variants of the mayfly at different stages of its life cycle should be tried
on all parts of the river.
Nymphs: Large weighted nymphs in the headwaters, including Hare’s
Ear and Pheasant Tail. In the middle and lower reaches in
summer, Willow Grub is a must.
Dry flies:
Terrestrial type dry flies in the headwaters such as Coch-y Bondhu and
Grasshopper:
Tributaries
Spinners: Veltic, Toby, or articulated trout
Waipahi River