Ruapehu and the surrounding areas boast world class wilderness fishing. Offering angling of all types, from Trophy lake fishing (Otamangakau 20 min east of National Park Village) to the ever challenging wilderness back country head waters where you can choose between sight fishing for large trout in streams almost small enough to jump over, to targeting the evening rise on large boulder strewn rivers.
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.
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. 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.
Target Species
Rainbow Trout
Widespread in cool waters in many parts of New Zealand including lakes and rivers of the central North Island and further southwards. Introduced from the Pacific coast of North America. Found in pools in rivers and in open waters of colder lakes. Spawns in winter when 3-4 years old in cold, fast flowing, gravelly rivers, the young moving down to lakes as they grow. Has reached 9.5kg in New Zealand and the world record is 16.5kg caught in Lake Michigan. Rainbows feed on immature and adult insects, aquatic invertebrates, fish eggs and small fish. They are a favourite of fly fisherman, but can also be caught on spinners, plugs and a wide variety of baits ranging from worms to small marshmallows.
Brown Trout
Brown Trout vary in colour. They are normally sea-run fish olive on their back, silvery on their side and whitish on their belly with indistinct spots. Known to reach 13.5kg in rivers and up to 31kg in lakes. Present from Coromandel southwards in both rivers and lakes and include many sea-run populations. Introduced from Europe, their life cycle is the same as rainbow trout but spawns earlier in winter. Feeds on a wide range of terrestrial and aquatic insects, crustaceans as well as small fish. Active feeding generally occurs during subdued daylight and at night when they search water areas. Brown trout habitat moving water of variable depth, hard bottom areas of lakes, sunken weed beds, submerged islands, sunken logs, undercut banks, protruding shorelines, deep pools and around bridges or boulders downstream in any current. Brown trout are extremely wary and must be approached quietly and slowly. They will take small spoons, spinners or plugs worked near the bottom in areas having their preferred water temperature. Use a slow retrieve with pauses to allow your lure to rise and then flutter down.
Brook Trout
Intermittent in central North Island and the eastern South Island. Introduced from eastern North America. Reaches 6.5kg but rarely more than 4kg and more commonly less than a kilo. Found in some lakes and in small, cold headwater streams. Life cycle is the same as for rainbow trout. Active feeding generally occurs during subdued daylight and at night when they search water areas providing insects, smaller fish and crayfish.
Perch
Found up to sixty centimetres. An introduced species of still water and slow moving rivers with good water quality, perch are voracious predators preying on insects and small fishes. They will eat surprisingly large food items. Perch have a scattered distribution through both main islands. They grow up to weights of 2kg or more, but populations will stunt under certain conditions resulting in large populations of small, undernourished individuals. An attractive olive-green fish with prominent stripes, perch will take baits of worms, small fish (where legal) and respond to streamer flies, spinners, spoons and plugs. Not often targeted, they fight reasonably well and are said to be good eating. A licence is required to fish for perch.
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.
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