To read the full legislation document for the WCO applied to this waterway click here

Upper Rangitikei access map

Mid Rangitikei access map

Lower Rangitikei access map

View the river flow.

View the MetService weather forecast.

Description (Above Ohinewaione Stream Confluence)

A backcountry licence obtainable free of charge from Wellington Fish and Game is required to fish this section.

When most people think of fishing the Rangitikei River, they associate it with the fishing in the pristine headwaters found in the remote Kaimanawa Forest Park. Despite being the headwaters, the Rangitikei in the upper reaches is still a reasonable sized river. The water is very clear and although wadeable in places there are large sections of very deep water. The riverbed is made up of rock and stone and great care should be taken when crossing as the water volume is stronger than it appears and the riverbed can be very slippery. Trout can usually be sighted feeding along the length of any pool though of course as the water is so clear the fish can also see the angler and consequently are easily spooked.

The Rangitikei and its headwaters is regarded as one of the premier fisheries in New Zealand. Although the average size of the fish has diminished and the numbers of
double figures (i.e. over 10 pounds or 4.5 kg) has declined in recent years, it is still a beautiful area to visit and fish. It is however rugged and the weather can be atrocious
at times so care should be taken by any visitor into this area.

A backcountry licence is required to fish the upper reaches of the Rangitikei River and the Whakaurekou tributary. This is free of charge to whole season licence holders and can be obtained from Wellington Fish and Game.

Access

There are only two ways to get into the upper reaches of the Rangitikei river and that is either a two-day walk or by taking a helicopter.

See the Upper Rangitikei River access map.

Description

As several other streams and rivers join the Rangitikei River, it is a much larger river in its middle reaches. There can several stretches that are difficult to fish because of gorges making access difficult. The river here carries more colour and runs over a shingle, rock and pebble bed. It is mostly a series of pools, long glides and enticing riffles. Fish in this section average around 1.5 kilograms although fish up to 3 kg are relatively common. It is a popular area to fish.

See the mid Rangitikei River access map.

Downstream from the township of Bulls, the river widens yet again and becomes a large river. It holds good stocks of fish and is mostly of interest to the spin fisherman.

See the Lower Rangitikei River access map.

In the upper reaches where the water is very clear, a balance must be sought between using light enough tackle so as not to spook the fish but yet retaining enough power to land the large fish in the strong current. It is recommended that a 9 foot (or even shorter rod) with around a  weight five line is used.

In the middle and lower reaches, rods around 9 foot in weights six to seven are favoured. Use spinning gear with around 3 kg/6 pound nylon and capable of casting lures of 7 g to 10 g.

Nymphs:
Dark weighted nymph patterns in sizes 12 to 16 such as Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymphs and Halfbacks all work well, particularly in the upper reaches.

Dry flies:
During the summer large size 10 to 12 flies fished over the faster water can be very effective. Dry Royal Wulff, cicada patterns, Parachute Adams, Humpy and beetle and cricket patterns.

Wet flies/ Streamers:
Small wet flies such as Invicta, March Brown, Greenwell's Glory, Grouse and Claret and Mallard work well, particularly in the evening when fish are taking emerger patterns just sub-surface. When fishing deeper try Hamill's Killer, Mrs Simpson or Red Setter.

Spinners: In the lower reaches larger spinners such as a tri-colour Zed Spinner, Black and Gold Toby or a rapala pattern work well although in the upper reaches small bladed spinners such as Veltic or Mepps fished upstream and retrieved near the river bed just faster than the current work well.