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Local Fishing Locations & Access

Fish & Game New Zealand’s Taranaki region offers a wide variety of freshwater fishing experiences in a scenic and uncrowded environment. Even the most popular Taranaki fisheries have a low level of angling use by national standards. Anglers can sight-fish for brown trout in small streams on Mt. Taranaki, target the evening rise on large boulder strewn rivers in the Ruapehu area, or go boat fishing on lakes near Wanganui. Many trout fisheries have their source within the Egmont or Tongariro National Parks and good water quality provides the basis for the region’s trout fishing.

Taranaki ringplain fisheries provide good sight-fishing opportunities for large brown trout, particularly in the upper reaches of streams. Rainbow trout fishing is also available at Lakes Mangamahoe and Ratapiko and in the Waingongoro River between Eltham and the sea. Wanganui has several lakes that provide fishing for perch and rainbow trout within a few minutes of the city. Ruapehu district rivers support some of the most productive fisheries in the region.

Below are links to pamphlets on Taranaki Ringplain and Waingongoro Rivers as well as a Ruapehu District fishery pamphlet.  Hard copy pamphlets are available from both New Plymouth and Wanganui Fish & Game offices, or from licence agents and information centres. If you would like a pamphlet send to you by mail then please send a self-addressed envelope with details of the pamphlet you would like to receive to PO Box 4152 Wanganui.

Taranaki Ringplain

Ruapehu District

Waingongoro River

Mount Taranaki Ringplan

Generally there are few “Queens Chain” areas adjacent to ringplain waterways and anglers must obtain permission to cross private farmland. Landowners seldom deny access when asked.

Waiwhakaiho River
New Plymouth’s closest river is best fished in its upper reaches, or in the lower river below the outlet of Mangorei power station. The Waiwhakaiho is subject to rapid rises in river level with heavy rainfall on the mountain. Access to the upper river is through farmland off Alfred or Egmont Roads, with bridge crossings at upper Lepper Road and SH3 (Egmont Village). Access to the lower river is from Devon Road (SH3) and Rimu Street, Merrilands Domain and William Street, which are all off Mangorei Road. At Rimu Street, head right at the fork in the road and walk along the gravel track at the end of the road. The pool at the end of the gravel track marks the upstream limit for all year fishing. Large brown trout in the upper reaches are best targeted with a dry fly during the evening rise. Early season bait fishing with creeper or worm is effective. The lower river fishes well in the mornings before the power station discharge begins. Fly, bait and spin fishing will all take fish.

Kaiauai Stream
This Waiwhakaiho River tributary provides challenging nymph and dry fly fishing for large browns up to 2.6kg. The Kaiauai above Alfred Road Bridge is catch and release only. Access is best through farmland on the true left-hand side of Alfred Road and from the Alfred Road Bridge. The upper Kaiauai is reached through farmland off Hill Road, which is off Albert Road. Nymph and dry fly methods work best. Bait fishing is banned above Alfred Road Bridge.

Lake Rotomanu
Located near the Waiwhakaiho River mouth in New Plymouth, this fishery is stocked with takeable rainbow trout in late September each year. Good-sized perch are also present which makes it an ideal place for junior anglers. Anglers have easy access to the entire lake margin. Proceed east along Devon Street East, through the lights at Fitzroy and into Clemow Road, which leads to the lake. All methods are effective, with the “bubble float and worm” being popular.

Lake Mangamahoe
Located midway between New Plymouth and Inglewood on SH3, Lake Mangamahoe is the region’s most popular lake fishery. Brown trout up to 2.6kg and rainbows up to 2.25kg are present. Turn off SH3 onto a gravel road that runs along the western shoreline. Trout often cruise the lake margin in shallow water and a number of bays provide good fishing. Lake Mangamahoe is designated fly-fishing only with fly rod and fly line. Small (#16) waterboatman, damsel, midge or snail imitations suspended below a bushy dry fly are effective, as are Hamills Killer, Rabbit, Fuzzy-wuzzy and Red Setter patterns in sizes 8-12. Booby flies on a sinking line and short leader will also take fish.

Stony River
Located near Okato in coastal Taranaki, the Stony has the best water quality of any ringplain fishery and was the first NZ river to be granted a Local Water Conservation Notice. The Stony trout fishery was decimated by an erosion event on the mountain in 1998, but the habitat has stabilised and the river now holds reasonable numbers of hatchery rainbow trout and a few wild browns. The entire river has been made catch and release for brown trout to help the population recover and bait fishing is banned as a result. The daily bag limit for rainbow trout has been set a two fish. The lower river is reached from the Surf Highway Bridge, through farmland off lower Kaihihi Road, or through farmland at the end of Brophy Road. The middle reaches are accessed via the Stony River walkway off upper Kaihihi Road and from the Mangatete Road Bridge. The upper river is reached from Wiremu Road bridge (off Saunders Road) or from the top of Saunders or Puniho Roads. Deleatidium mayflies are the most common invertebrate and nymph, or dry fly fishing during the evening rise is recommended.

Maketawa Stream
Located 4km south of Inglewood on SH3, the Maketawa has good water quality and holds brown trout up to 2.5kg. The stream is reached from the SH3 and Junction Road bridges (difficult) and through farmland off upper and lower Norfolk Road. Creeper fishing is effective, but nymphing predominates with small hare and copper, halfback and caddis patterns favoured.

Lake Ratapiko
This shallow 21-hectare hydro reservoir is located 9km down Tariki Road, which turns off SH3 midway between Inglewood and Stratford. Good populations of hatchery rainbows, wild brown trout and perch are present. The abundant food supply means that trout can reach 3kg, while perch can reach 1.3 kg. Small veltic and toby spinners will take fish. Nymph and wetfly fishing are also effective. Lake Ratapiko is also a great place to take youngsters bait fishing for perch. The water ski and power boat club areas off Tariki Road provide good access to the lake margin. Permission to fish from other areas should be obtained from the appropriate landowner.

Patea River
Running through the heart of Stratford, the Patea is one of the ringplain’s most productive brown trout fisheries. Good fishing is available within Stratford township, though the largest fish are present below Skinner Road. Large browns and a few rainbows are present in the river below Patea Dam. There is plenty of fishable water between McColl’s bridge and the dam face. The upper river is best fished from tracks within King Edward Park and along the walkway between Juliet Street and Swansea Road. The middle reaches are accessed from Skinner Road bridge and through farmland off Bird, Hungers and Waihapa Roads. The lower Patea is reached via Ball Road, which runs off SH3 just north of Kakaramea. All methods work well, with bait fishing predominating below the Patea Dam.

Lake Rotorangi
This scenic hydro lake east of Eltham is 46km long and contains plenty of perch that grow to 1kg. Few trout are present in the middle and lower reaches of the lake, but the upper reaches from Glen Nui up to the first river rapid can produce good conditioned browns and rainbows up to 2.25kg. Access to the upper reaches is via Anderson and Rawhitiroa Roads at Eltham. There is a good boat ramp at Glen Nui. The middle reaches are accessed via Tawhiti, Ararata and Tangahoe Valley Roads. The lower reaches via Ball Road off SH3. Perch can be caught by trolling with flies or spinners or fishing off weedbeds with a worm. Deep trolling is the preferred method for trout.

Waingongoro River
Located on the south-eastern slopes of Mt. Taranaki, the Waingongoro River is the most popular ringplain fishery. In its upper reaches, it is a clear mountain stream supporting 5-20 takeable browns per km. Below Eltham the Waingongoro is tannin stained, but supports the ringplain’s most productive rainbow trout fishery. Great for beginners. The upper river is accessed from the Cardiff walkway upstream of Opunake Road, from Finnerty and Cornwall Roads off SH3 and from road ends off Collingwood Street within Eltham township. Access to the middle and lower reaches is via a handful of road ends and bridge crossings off SH3, including Rogers Road off Dalziell Road, Skeet, Mawhitiwhiti and Normanby Roads and SH45. Nymph and dry fly fishing is best in the upper reaches. Bait fishing with creeper or worm is effective in the larger pools near Eltham. All methods work well in the middle and lower reaches, including spin fishing with black and gold tobys, z-spinners or veltics. Caddis imitations are recommended for the evening rise.

Kapuni Stream
This stream provides high quality sight-fishing opportunities for large brown trout, particularly in the upper reaches. The Kapuni above Skeet Road Bridge is catch and release only. The upper river is reached from Palmer and Eltham Road bridges, or through farmland off Palmer Road. Kokiri and Normanby Road bridges provide access to the lower reaches. Fly fishing with small (#16) hare and copper or halfback nymphs, brown and green beetle imitations, Coch-y-Bondhu or caddis dry flies are effective. Bait fishing is banned in the Kapuni Catch and Release section.

Kaupokonui Stream
Located 5km west of Manaia, the Kaupokonui and its largest tributary – the Mangawhero Stream, both contain good-sized brown trout, with the odd rainbow. Algal growth can be a problem in the lower river in summer. The Kaupokonui is fished from bridge crossings at Eltham, Skeet and Upper Glenn Roads and the Surf Highway, or through farmland off Manaia Road. The Mangawhero is best fished above and below the Skeet Road bridge, or by crossing the Kaupokonui a short distance upstream of the Surf Highway, or through farmland off Upper Glenn or Rama Roads. Nymph, dry fly, or bait fishing with creeper and worm are recommended.

WANGANUI FISHERIES

Lake Wiritoa
Located just five minutes drive south of Wanganui, Lake Wiritoa contains a good population of perch. The lake is closed to angling during the duck-shooting season. Turn right at the Lake Wiritoa turnoff, 5 minutes south of Wanganui on SH3. From there it is a short drive to the lake. Perch fishing is most productive in summer, with bait, or spin fishing using red and white veltic spinners recommended. Popular spots include the lake edge at the clubrooms or at the Scoutland’s beach. A ramp is available for boat launching, although it is best to avoid times when jet and water ski enthusiasts use the lake.

Lake Kohata
Located near Lake Wiritoa, this secluded lake supports a productive fishery for good-sized perch. The lake is a good alternative when water skiers are using Lake Wiritoa. Lake Kohata is closed to angling during the duck-shooting season. Turn right at the Lake Wiritoa turnoff, 5 minutes south of Wanganui on SH3. Park at Lake Wiritoa, cross the fence at the Lake Kohata sign and walk 10 minutes along the fence line to the lake. Access is easiest along the low-lying eastern shoreline. Anglers can walk right round the lake, but must stay within the reserve boundary, located 20 metres from the waters edge. Bait fishing with bubble float and worm or the use of small veltic or toby spinners is preferred. Wet flies can also be used. Fishing is best in deeper water outside the weedbeds.

Lake Namunamu
This pristine 13-hectare lake is located on private property 14km west of Hunterville on Turakina Valley Road. The lake is stocked annually by Fish and Game NZ and contains good conditioned rainbows up to 2kg. A boat shed, 3 dinghies, a jetty, launching ramp and toilet are provided, but you must bring your own lifejackets. Please respect the facilities and leave no litter. There is no picnicking and in summer the owners may use the lake for water skiing. From Wanganui drive straight through Fordell on Kauangaroa Road, which becomes Mangatiporea Road. Turn left at the “T” junction. You then have a choice of going left down the Turakina Valley Road (metal and winding), or going right on Mangahoe Road toward Hunterville, then turning left onto Ongo Road at Rataiti and left again at the “T” junction onto Turakina Valley Road. Park by the Lake Namunamu signpost. It is then a 20-minute uphill walk along a good farm track. It is best to harl a sinking line and lure from one of the dinghies. Trout are often located deep in the lake, particularly in summer. Recommended patterns are Hamills Killer, Red Setter, Rabbit, Olive Matuka, Woolly Bugger and Parsons Glory. Spinning can also produce results, as can casting a fly toward the lake edge. Please remember it can be dangerous to stand up in small boats.

Lower Mangawhero River
Located 30 minutes drive up the Parapara Highway (SH4), the lower Mangawhero provides good fishing for brown trout averaging 1.5kg. The river has plenty of attractive angling water, but is best fished during dry spells, when it is relatively clear. The Mangawhero below the SH49 “golf course” bridge is open to all year angling. SH4 runs alongside the Mangawhero River for much of its length, providing access points above and below the spectacular Raukawa Falls at Kakatahi. Please seek permission before crossing private land. Spinning is preferred, using toby and veltic spinners in various colours. Bait fishing is also effective.

Whanganui River Estuary
Each season, a number of large sea or estuarine run brown trout have been caught within the Wanganui City limits. Even the occasional salmon has been caught near the river mouth. The eastern bank can be accessed from SH4 and further upstream from the Wanganui River Road. The western bank is accessed from a number of roads within Wanganui City. Spinning is preferred, although the use of large wetflies at dusk will also be effective.

RUAPEHU FISHERIES

Manganuioteao River
Granted a National Water Conservation Order in 1989, the Manganuioteao River near Raetihi supports a nationally significant fishery for brown and rainbow trout, averaging 1.5kg. The level of angling use is low by national standards and there are always good fishing areas available in very scenic surroundings. The fishery was adversely affected by the 1995-96 Ruapehu eruptions, but is now well on the road to recovery. The daily bag limit is 2 fish per day. About 4km north of Raetihi on SH4, turn left into Ohura Road and follow it for 8km to reach the river. The Makakahi, Ruatiti and Pukekaha Roads branch off Ohura Road to the lower, middle and upper reaches respectively. River access and a free camping area are available at Ruatiti Domain. Bridge crossings also provide access. A large sign at Ruatiti Domain shows the various property boundaries along the river and anglers must get permission from the appropriate landowner. All fishing methods are popular. Daytime nymphing with weighted halfback, hare and copper and caddis imitations are recommended. Add spilt shot to your leader to get down to the fish. Dry fly fishing with Coch-y-Bondhu, Brown Beetle, Black Gnat and Twilight Beauty patterns are favoured for the evening rise.

Upper Mangawhero River
Located near Ohakune, the Mangawhero contains a good population of brown trout averaging 1.5kg. The main fishing area is a 10km reach between Ohakune and a gorge, which the river enters as it leaves the central plateau. Access is from within Ohakune township and from Old Mangarewa Road, SH49 and Pakihi Road. Nymph, dry and wet fly fishing are popular and the usual patterns work well. Fish rise mostly at dusk, although daytime activity occurs in December when brown and green beetles are abundant. The Mangawhero below the SH49 “golf course” bridge is open to all year angling.

Taonui Stream
This small spring fed stream joins the Mangawhero between Ohakune and Raetihi. The Taonui holds brown trout averaging 2kg throughout its length, but it is fished mostly in the 4km below the railway line. Access is from SH49 and from Old Mangarewa Road near the Mangawhero confluence. All methods are effective.

Retaruke River
PLEASE NOTE: As of December 2011 water quality in the upper Retaruke River is currently being adversely affected by a large slip in its headwaters and the river may not be fishable.

This tannin stained Whanganui River tributary west of Raurimu contains a mixed population of brown and rainbow trout that average 1 – 2kg, with the occasional large fish. The upper Retaruke River provides at least 8km of good fly fishing water, which is best fished during the summer low flow period. The remaining 20km of river down to the Whanganui junction is more suited to spinning. Access is via the sealed Whakahora-Kaitieke Road, which turns off SH4 just south of Owhango, or by an unsealed road off SH4 just south of Raurimu. At the Retaruke-Kaitieke confluence, turn left up upper Retaruke Road for access to the upper river. Anglers can access the riverbed via the scenic reserve or by obtaining permission from the appropriate landowner. All methods will take fish, although fishing with weighted nymphs is most popular.

Tokiahuru and Waitaiki Streams
The upper reaches of these fast flowing Wangaehu tributaries contain a dense population of small rainbow trout. Large trout are most abundant in the 4km of water between the Tokiahuru – Waitaiki confluence and the Whangaehu River. These streams can often be fished when other waters are discolored by heavy rain, with best fishing from December to March. Both streams are open all year below the SH49 bridges. Access to the Waitaiki is from Karioi Station Road and Whangaehu Valley Road. The upper Tokiahuru can be reached from the NZ Forestry headquarters on SH49 and the lower river from Whangaehu Valley Road – Oruakukuru Road. Heavily weighted nymphs (hare and copper, halfback, pheasant tail and caddis imitations) or a Tongariro-style 2-nymph rig are recommended.