Nelson/Marlborough Fishing News October 11

Acheron River angling opportunities

In an effort to enhance fishing opportunities on Molesworth Station, Nelson Marlborough Fish & Game again requested that the Acheron Road be opened to provide angler access to the lower part of the Acheron River during the early part of the season.

After discussions with staff from Landcorp and the Molesworth Steering Committee, the Department of Conservation notified us that we could proceed with a road open period in the lower Acheron on the following basis:
• The road may be opened from the Acheron gate to the Yarra gate from October 1 to November 15. Heifer calving in the Alma area means that vehicle access to the Severn Bridge is not desirable.
• A combination lock is not to be used on the Acheron chain. • Fish & Game are responsible for ensuring that there is someone present throughout the road open period to monitor the use and to ensure as far as possible that access is confined to the road and river area.
• There is no vehicle access provided from the Awatere. Stock work at this time of year precludes this.
• That a report be sent to the Steering Committee after the open period finishes which details usage.

While it is encouraging that the Acheron Road (up to the Yarra) could potentially be opened for a six-week period to enable angler access, unfortunately Fish & Game can’t justify having a person present throughout the entire road opening period, particularly given the late notice. Anglers wanting to take advantage of this improved vehicle access to the lower Acheron Road can however apply to the DOC South Marlborough Area Office in Renwick for a Recreation Permit – at no cost. Either phone 03 572 9100 or email southmarlboroughao@doc.govt.nz and ask for a Recreation Permit to fish the Acheron on Molesworth.

While a Recreation Permit for Molesworth can be applied for at any stage throughout the year, the issue of Recreation Permits are subject to farm operations and may be denied on that basis. Please note that it may take several days to process the application for a Recreation Permit and to organise keys, so don’t leave it until the last minute.