Last updated October 2026
Lake Opuha is a man-made irrigation lake of about 700 hectares in the Fairlie Basin, about 12 km from Fairlie. It holds rainbow trout, brown trout and landlocked salmon, and Fish & Game Central South Island says trolling from a boat or spinning from the shore work best.
Most anglers launch or fish from the Ewarts Corner boat ramp at the northern end, where the Opuha River’s branches flow in. The lake is also used for boating, kayaking and water skiing.
At a Glance
- Location
- Fairlie Basin, about 12 km from Fairlie, Mackenzie District
- Type
- Man-made irrigation lake, about 700 ha, with a dam at the south-east end
- Water
- Freshwater lake (Fish & Game Central South Island)
- Main species
- Rainbow trout, brown trout and landlocked salmon
- Methods
- Trolling from a boat; spinning from the shore
- Main access
- Ewarts Corner boat ramp, northern end, via Clayton Road off SH79
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required
- Lake level
- ECan Lake Opuha level, site 69660
- Boats
- Several boat ramps; power boats allowed
- Event
- Lions Club fishing competition every November, with Fish & Game
No tides: wind and the irrigation lake level move the fishing here.
What Makes It Worth the Trip
Lake Opuha was formed when the Opuha River (Ōpūaha in the Fish & Game regulations) was dammed for irrigation. The dam sits at the south-east end of the lake, where the river leaves to run down to the Ōpihi, which it joins below the gorge at Raincliff.
The North Opuha River enters the north-east arm through a wide braided gravel bed, and Station Creek and Ribbonwood Creek flow into the north-west arm beside Ewarts Corner.
The lake lies in hill country, with steep scrubby terrace faces along its northern arms and an island in the middle. Because it is an irrigation lake, the level goes up and down, and when it is drawn down a band of bare shingle and silt shows around the margins.
Fish & Game Central South Island notes that the landlocked salmon in the lake live for about three years. The Lions Club runs a fishing competition on the lake every November together with Fish & Game, and the lake is a busy boating spot on fine summer days.
How to Fish Lake Opuha
Where and when
Ewarts Corner, at the north-west head of the lake, is the main starting point. Shore anglers spin from the margins around the northern arms, where the streams and the North Opuha River flow in.
Boat anglers launch at the ramp and troll the open water. Wind and the lake level change the fishing more than anything else here: a falling lake leaves wide shingle banks to cross before you reach the water.
What to catch and what to use
- Rainbow and brown trout: spin from the shore or troll from a boat. Fish & Game says these two methods work best on the lake.
- Landlocked salmon: caught the same way, mostly by trolling. They live about three years in the lake.
What to bring
Warm, windproof clothing, as the Fairlie Basin can turn cold quickly, and boots for the shingle margins. Ask at a tackle shop in Timaru which lures are working before you head up.
Getting There and Facilities
- Driving: the lake is reached on Clayton Road off SH79 east of Fairlie. Clayton Road runs along the west side of the lake to Ewarts Corner, the junction of Clayton Road, Middle Road and Hays Road, and Hays Road runs from the junction down to the lake edge.
- Boat ramp: Ewarts Corner boat ramp is popular for boating and fishing. The lake has several ramps and power boats are allowed.
- Water quality: Environment Canterbury monitors the water at the Ewarts Corner boat ramp in summer. Check LAWA before swimming.
- More on the lake: for swimming, boating and other things to do, see our Lake Opuha guide.
Rules and Safety
- Lake Opuha / Ōpūaha has its own entry in the Fish & Game Central South Island regulations: the main season runs from 1 October to 30 April, and a winter season runs from 1 June to 31 August, with fly, spinner and bait allowed in both. The streams that feed the lake are open from 1 October to 30 April. You need a Fish & Game licence.
- The lake is shared with power boats, kayakers and water skiers. Keep clear of ski lanes and the ramp when other boats are launching, and wear a lifejacket in any boat.
- The water level changes with irrigation demand. The exposed shingle and silt margins can be soft, and the lake gets cold and rough quickly when the wind gets up.
- Check LAWA for algae or water-quality warnings at Ewarts Corner in summer.
- Check, clean and dry your boat, trailer and fishing gear before you move to another lake or river.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Davo’s Fishing Hunting & Sport, 186 Hilton Highway, Washdyke, Timaru: rods, reels, lures and line.
Fishing licences can be bought online from Fish & Game before you go.
Official Sources for Lake Opuha
Fish & Game: Lake Opuha: species, methods and boating on the lake.
ECan: Lake Opuha level: the current lake level.
LAWA: Lake Opuha at Ewarts Corner boat ramp: summer water-quality results and any warnings.
Common Questions
What fish are in Lake Opuha?
Rainbow trout, brown trout and landlocked salmon.
What is the best way to fish Lake Opuha?
Fish & Game says trolling from a boat or spinning from the shore work best.
Do I need a licence to fish Lake Opuha?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence, and the Central South Island regulations apply.
Where do I launch a boat on Lake Opuha?
Ewarts Corner boat ramp at the northern end is the popular one. The lake has several ramps and power boats are allowed.
How far is Lake Opuha from Fairlie?
About 12 km. Take Clayton Road off SH79 east of Fairlie; it runs along the west side of the lake to Ewarts Corner.
How do I check the lake level?
Environment Canterbury publishes the Lake Opuha level online at site 69660.
Is there a fishing competition on Lake Opuha?
Yes. The Lions Club runs one every November with Fish & Game Central South Island.
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