Home Local Fisheries Target Species Regional Map Accommodation Information       Home > Local Fisheries       Local Fisheries       Ruapehu/Whanganui/Tongariro/Waikato Disticts   Whakapapa River is the largest tributary of the Whanganui River and one of "New Zealand's finest trout fisheries". All year round - in the upper reaches water clarity usually exceeds 15 metres.   The Whakapapa flows through native forest alternating between turbulent rapids, deep pools and long boulder runs. There are a few easy places to cross and some caution is required. The fishing in the lower reaches around Kakahi is good with fish averaging 1.5 kg. The middle reaches around Owhango fish well and access through Owhango reserve is good.   From Owhango up river there is considerable private land and it is advisable to seek access permission from the landowners or use a reputable guide who has legal access.   Other wilderness rivers include Manganui-o-te-Ao,   Whanganui, Waimarino, Ongarue and Retaruke. Licenses can be purchased from B.P. National Park Village and most sports shops and info centres.       Whanganui Headwaters       Whanganui River   The Whanganui River rises in the Tongariro National Park, flows northward to Taumarunui then southwest to the sea. Between Taumarunui and Kakahi there are numerous good fishing pools, many of which have been signposted by the Ruapehu Fish & Game Club. Access can be gained from Taumarunui, Mahoe (Mahoe Rd), Piriaka, Manunui, and Kakahi. Access to the upper reaches within the Tongariro National Park is via old logging roads from State Highway 47, a good topographical map or local knowledge is required. This is typical backcountry fishing requiring an above average level of fitness.       Whakapapa River   One of New Zealand’s finest trout fisheries but certainly not for the faint hearted as the Whakapapa alternates between turbulent rapid, deep pools and long boulder runs. Access to the lower and middle reaches can be obtained from the villages of Kakahi and Owhango, south of Taumarunui. Here there is a good population of both rainbow and brown trout averaging 1.5 kg. In the upper reaches the trout are generally larger but less abundant. Access to the upper reaches can be gained from SH 4 across farmland, or from the access road to the Tongariro Power Scheme intake structure via SH 47 (National Park - Turangi). The prior permission of the Taurewa Station manager (Landcorp farming) is required.       Ongarue River   A popular river offering many kilometres of excellent fishing water. Mainly fished in its upper reaches above the township of Waimiha. Access is from the Ongarue Stream Road across private farmland. The nearby Maramataha River also holds a good trout population but access is difficult especially in the upper reaches.       Waimiha Stream   A delightful stream offering a succession of long ripples and pools containing a good population of both rainbow and brown trout. The lower and middle reaches offer clear low banks providing relatively easy fishing - a perfect place for the beginner. Permission is required from the farmhouse just north of the Waimiha Road/Ongarue Road turnoff.       Other Tributaries       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. Travel about 4km north of Raetihi on SH4, turn left into Ohura Road and then 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.       Retaruke River   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.       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.       Tokiahuru and Waitaiki Streams   The upper reaches of these fast flowing Whangaehu 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 discoloured 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.       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.       Fishing Regulations       National Regulations   Click Here (PDF 428 KB) to download a copy of the National Regulations (applies to all regions except Taupo).       Taupo District Fishery Regulations 2004   Click Here (PDF 696 KB) to download a copy of the Taupo District Fishery Regulations 2004.