The Waipa is the largest tributary of the Waikato River, rising in the hills of the central King Country, flowing north through the townships of Otorohanga and Pirongia to enter the Waikato River at the historic town of Ngaruawahia. It is an extensive river system with many very fishable tributaries.

As well as the high population of resident fish, there can also be an excellent run of spawning fish late in the season.

Lower Waipa Access map

Upper Waipa Access map

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The upper Waipa river is the section upstream from Toa Bridge.

Description

Above Toa Bridge, there is a 15km stretch of back-country water that flows over a gravel bed through some beautiful native bush and over rough farmland. The section of the river is a delight to fish, being a mixture of long gravel runs, rapids and pools. In the late season some surprisingly large fish can be caught in this section as they move upstream from the Waikato to spawn. It provides excellent dry fly and nymphing water throughout the season although the spin fish angler will also find plenty of scope for their preferred method.

Further upstream there is a steep gorge with large boulders, rapids and turbulent runs.

Methods

This is ideal nymph and dry fly water though a spinner fished upstream and brought down with the current just above the river bed also works well. 

Access

From Toa Bridge upstream into the headwaters, anglers must walk as the best fishing is a good hour's walk upstream. Just south of Otorohanga, turn off SH3 into Otewa Road and continue along Waipa River Road as far as Toa Bridge, then walk. For a fit angler the walking required is worth the effort as the trout are bigger in this section and the scenery beautiful.

You can also reach these waters (after requesting the landowner's permission) by crossing private farmland from Owawenga and Barber Roads, though the walk can be long and steep.

See the Upper Waipa access map.

Toa Bridge to Otorohanga

Description

The most popular part of the Waipa river are the middle reaches from Toa Bridge to the small town of Otorohanga. The section of the river is easily accessed and is a delight to fish for the high population of both rainbow and brown trout as it runs over open farmland and small stands of bush. The river is gravel-bottomed with riffles, rapids
and pools set amid attractive farmland and native bush. The overhanging willow trees often shelter high numbers of trout. While the water generally has some colour making fish hard to spot it provides many kilometres of wonderful dry fly nymph and spinning water.

Methods

This is ideal nymph and dry fly water though a spinner also works well.

Access

The middle reaches of the river between Otorohanga and Toa Bridge is readily accessible by car as a sealed road runs along its length. Mostly this area is farmland and farmers are only too happy to give permission to anglers to cross their land as long as the normal rules are followed.

Otewa Road and Rangitea Roads follow the course of the Waipa for several kilometers above Otorohanga but on opposite sides of the river. From Otewa Road, you can
continue along Waipa River Road as far as Toa Bridge.

See the Upper Waipa access map

Below State Highway 3 Bridge in Otorohonga

Description

The lower reaches of the Waipa river fromOtorohanga down to its confluence with the Waikato is not a popular fishery. The river here is much larger and generally flows between willow lined banks and as such is best suited to spinning. Those who do fish the section can be surprised by the number and size of the trout present however. Below
Otorohanga and down to Pirongia, the nature of the Waipa gradually changes to become a much deeper and slower moving river, often flowing over a silt bottom.  Vegetation often grows along the lengths of the banks. The water almost always carries some colour.

Fish numbers and size

There are big fish in this section and fish up to 4kg have been caught. Most are in the 1 -2kg range however

Methods

The lower Waipa is suited to spinner fishing when the river flow is low, although some sections offer the angler the opportunity to cast a wet fly. It is best late in the season as the large trout move up from the Waikato River to spawn.

It is worth trying around any of the numerous stream mouths in the warmer months as the fish often congregate here to take advantage of the cooler water entering the river.

Access

Access to the lower reaches is not as easy as willows and steep banks can be a hindrance to anglers. A road does follow much of this section however, allowing anglers to get to any number of fishing areas. See the Lower Waipa access map.

Nymphs:
In all the waters above Otorohanga, there is excellent nymph water. Try small nymphs such as size 14 - 16 Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tail, Hare's Ear, Gold Bead Hare and Copper, or Theo's Bomber. When the water is discoloured move up to heavier and larger sizes.

Dry flies:
Small winged patterns such as Greenwell's Glory, March Brown or try a Parachute Adams  or Royal Wulff. Passion Hopper flies are very effective late summer but must be
no larger than a size 16.

Green Beetles are effective in early summer and cicada patterns from late summer are very effective.

Wet flies:
Small wet flies such as March Brown, Greenwell's Glory or sedge emerger patterns work well

Spinners: Small bladed spinners such as Veltic or Mepps are best when fished upstream, with Black and Gold Toby's working well in the lower reaches.

Tributaries of the Waipa include the:
- Mangaokewa Stream
- Kaniwhaniwha Stream

- Punui River
- Waimahora Stream