Lake Haupri

John: I fished Lake Haupiri for the first time in late January with Josh Portz. We both used Water Striders. We accessed the lake at a road turn out at the upper (i.e. towards Nelson Creek) end…there is a track down to a shingle beach that is perfect for launching kick boats. The first time we fished it we did extremely well on damsel nymphs cast very close to the beach, close to emergent logs, etc. The fish were beautifully coloured and were from 1.5 to 3 lbs. They fought well. It is a very beautiful lake and a pleasure to fish from a raft, but, as you say, impossible from the shore. A few days later we returned, also in still and sunny conditions, but the fishing was much slower. I managed only one 3 lb fish on a Hamill’s Killer at the mouth of the small tributary stream. I was told by a local that the trout our mostly at the upper end of the lake, and that the eels were more numerous at the lower end. We stayed at the upper end. And, if you have some extra time the Haupiri River, at the road crossing a few kms below the lake is worth a visit, too. I suggest you don’t do this on the weekend, however. Allan