Spider Lakes and Lake Donne

The Spider Lakes and Lake Donne are hidden from the Hakatere Potts Road which runs west towards the more popular Lake Camp and Lake Clearwater. Access to these small lakes is on foot only. The track runs north and starts on the opposite side of the road from the turn-off leading to Lake Emma – it is easily missed. There is no signpost pointing to Lake Donne and the Spider Lakes. The walk takes about ten minutes from the road. Park off the main road on the grass leading to Lake Emma so as to avoid stone damage from passing vehicles.

The bag limit for Lake Donne and the Spider Lakes is 2 fish per day. This is fly fishing only water. The fishing season runs from the first Saturday in November to 30 April. There is no winter season for the Ashburton Lakes. Fishing from boats in the Spider Lakes and Lake Donne is prohibited.

These small fly fishing lakes hold brown trout. They require a degree of stealth by the angler when approaching so as not to spook the fish. Over the years there have been some surprisingly large fish caught from these small lakes. However, with so much other good trout fishing water in close proximity, few anglers bother to fish them. Well worth a look if you have the time!