Upper Waiohine access map coming soon

Lower Waiohine access map coming soon

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The Waiohine is a delightful scenic river that offers a range of fishing opportunities from true wilderness fishing to easy fishing suitable for a novice.

In the headwaters the water flows through native bush-land and the water is quite swift and clear. That said the trout are not always easy to spot. Several sections flow through a steep sided gorge that only the very fit can attempt (unless they go in by raft). Fish in this section are few but generally large and fir.

After leaving the gorge the river is much more open with log runs and some very deep pools. The lower section before it enters the Ruamahanga holds reasonable stocks of fish. Evenings during the summer months can see some good rises with fish feeding in the slower water.

The section just up from the confluence with the Rangitikei is a popular and productive stretch to target with a spinner or dry flies on a warm evening.

Access to the headwaters is via a DoC track. Park your car at the ned of the road and cross the swingbridge and followo the track for a bout an hour (this section is around a steep sided valley with no foot access to the river). Once the track drops down to the waters edge you can then follow the river for some way fishing through some lovely pools and runs.

There is access to the river from the carpark at the swing bridge thorough this section is also popular with swimmers. Further downstream there are several acccess points where you can park and walk along the backside.

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

Dry flies: During the summer, size 12 to 16 flies fished over the faster water can be very effective during the evening. Royal Wulff, Blue Dun, Parachute Adams, Humpy and beetle patterns in early summer and cicada, hopper and cricket patterns in late summer and early autumn.

Wet flies / Streamers: Small wee-wet flies such as Invicta, March Brown, Greenwell's Glory, Dad's Favourite 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, particularly in the middle and lower reaches.

Spinners: In the lower reaches larger spinners such as 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 works best.