The Mackley River

Fishing the Mackley River involves difficult access and low fish numbers so it doesn't really receive much attention from anglers. It is reputed that the low fish numbers are attributed to the acidic water caused by nearby coal mining. Whatever the reason, the low fish numbers in the bottom section decrease even further as you head up into the gorge section. The gorge section is difficult to navigate on foot, deep water and rock bluffs force you up into the thick steep surrounding bush to make progress upstream. As majestically scenic as this river is, it unfortunately is not a river that offers rewards equal to the amount of effort that has to be put in.

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General Information

General location

The Mackley River is located in Kahurangi National Park

River Access

The most common access is via the New Creek to Denniston 4X4 track

River clarity

The river is predominantly tannin coloured however still provides good clarity offering sight fishing opportunities. Heavy flooding will see high discoloration and can take a couple of days of normal flow rates to clear enough to adequately sight fish

Fishing Information

Fish present

Brown trout

Fish numbers

Low in numbers, numbers drop the further up the river you progress. If the Buller River is in flood, the lower section of the Mackley can be used as a refuge by some larger Buller River resident fish however the downside of this is twofold because if the Buller River is in flood, it more than often means that Mackley River will also be in flood. When the Buller River subsides (and the Mackley Subsides) the fish will then drop back to the Buller River

Fish size

The average size is 2.5lb with the odd larger fish present

General fishing

It is really a case of covering a lot of ground to locate fish and aiming to maximise any and every opportunity you encounter

Fishing regulations

Fishing regulations

Catch and release

Catch and release is not enforced but is highly recommended

General Facilities

Toilet facilities

None

Rubbish disposal

Not serviced for rubbish, please take ALL rubbish with you on departure

Cautions and Safety Information

Weather cautions

The weather can turn very quickly in this area. Both night time and daytime temperatures can plummet without warning, make sure you are well prepared with the correct gear. Unscheduled rain can appear and come down with force, rivers can then rise to impassable levels within minutes. Extreme levels of rain can fall in any season

Weather report

Weather report

Sandflies

Sandflies can be present in high numbers, insect repellent is recommended