Island Lake
Island Lake is located in a stunning valley within Tarndale and is pure magic on a calm sunny day. The entire perimeter can be walked and fished with many great vantage points for sight fishing. Although the majority of the fish are small (1 to 2 pound) the good numbers and fantastic scenery make this an enjoyable place to fish. The odd 3 to 4 pound fish is present but larger fish are not common.
The west side of Island Lake
This side offers great sight fishing opportunities with the majority of the lake edge elevated. Patrolling fish can be ambushed with an assortment of flies and often aggressively attack dries. The lake bed is predominantly shallow with silty patches in amongst weed beds that further helps sight fishing. The inlet can be crossed (stepped over) at select places about 100 metres up from where is meets the lake.
Island Lake's small island
The east side of Island Lake
This side doesn't offer as many elevated sections as the west side but sight fishing is possible along the entire stretch when the weather allows. The outlet area appears no more productive than the rest of the lake with the odd patrolling fish scouting the area. The outlet has a solid base and can be easily crossed, it is only shin/knee deep at times of normal lake level.
Island Lake General Information
- General location
- Island Lake is one of the lakes in Tarndale located in the South Island High Country
- Access Cost
- No cost
- Access Permission
- You will cross private land (Tarndale Station) to access this lake however on my recent encounter with them they are happy for fishermen to access the lake as long as you respect all property, fences etc and you leave no rubbish behind
- Access Route
- Island Lake is accessible by foot only. From Rainbow Road you park up at the car park that allows access to the Tarndale lakes. From the car park, Island Lake is 2.8km as a crow flies. To get there, you follow a 4X4 track (past Lake Sedgeme) and cut in towards Island Lake wherever you please as there is no official track to the lake from the 4X4 track. These may be slightly vague directions, but it is in a small valley so you simply can't miss it or get lost
Island Lake Camping and General Facilities
- Toilet facilities
- There are no toilet facilities at this lake
- Rubbish disposal
- Not serviced for rubbish, please take ALL rubbish with you on departure
Island Lake Fishing Information
- Fishing license
- Required
- Fishing region
- Nelson Marlborough
- Fish present
- Brown trout
- Fishing regulations
- Nelson Marlborough fishing regulations
- Catch and release
- Catch and release is not enforced but very highly recommended
Island Lake Cautions and Safety Information
- Weather cautions
- The weather in this area can be subject to extreme conditions. Both night time and daytime temperatures can plummet without warning, make sure you are well prepared with the correct gear. Snow is a regular occurrence in winter time and can also occur in any season
- Weather report
- High Country weather report
- Sandflies
- Sandflies can be present in low numbers, insect repellent is recommended
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