Upper Waihou River:
Access map

Lower Waihou River:
Access map

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Above State Highway 5

Description

The headwaters of the Waihou River are generally crystal clear due to their spring fed water source. The water remains clear except after very heavy rain and even then it tends to clear very quickly. The river flows over a pumice gravel bottom where submerged weed bed provide both shelter for the fish and an ideal habitat for the insect life
that forms the food source for the trout. There is also good bankside vegetation that continually provide a steady flow of terrestrial insects onto the water. Consequently, this
part of the Waihou has one of the highest concentrations of fish to be found anywhere in the country. Though most of the fish caught are under a kilogram in weight, there are some large rainbow trout present. The trout need to be approached with great stealth in the clear water as they are easily spooked. this is ideal dry fly fishing and nymphing water.

Access

Access to the headwaters can be gained from Whites Road and Leslie Road. A "fishing reserve" provides public access to both sides of the river between Whites Road and SH5, except for the first kilometre above SH5 where the reserve is restricted to the true left bank only.Upstream from Whites Road a walkway runs alongside the river.

See the Upper Waihou access map.

See the Lower Waihou access map.

From SH5 to north of SH2 4

Description

North of SH5, the river flows mostly over open farmland and offer superb dry fly and nymph fishing for the high population of trout. Great stealth must be exercised to avoid spooking the fish. This section of the Waihou was used as a venue for the 2008 28th Worlds Fly Fishing Championship. It has such a huge population of small fish that there is no limit on the number of fish under 30ms in length.

Access

There are access points: - where the river is crossed by State Highway 5
- at Okoroire
- from State Highway 29
- from the Tauranga-Matamata Road (SH24).

Between SH5 and Okoroire, the only access is over private land after gaining permisison from the landowners on Somerville Road or SH5.

See the Upper Waihou access map.

From north of SH24 to the mouth

Description

The lower reaches of the Waihou are of much less interest to the angler as it tends to be deep and  sluggish. Unlike the upper reaches it also tends to carry some colour and will become dirty after rain. It is often willow lined and so is best fished with a spinner. There are however some surprisingly large fish in this section. The lower reaches are really only suitable for spinning.

Access

See the Lower Waihou access map.

Upper and middle reaches: Due to the clarity of the water and the size of the river, very light tackle is recommended. Floating or intermediate lines in neutral colours and in weight five or lower are best. To avoid scaring the fish when casting, use long leaders with very light tippets.

In the lower reaches, use spinning rods capable of casting lures between 7 and 10 g.

Nymphs:
Small lightly weighted nymphs in sizes 14 to 18 in patterns such as Hare and Copper, Halfback, Pheasant Tail  and Stonefly nymphs work well throughout the season. During the summer unweighted midge patterns work well in early evening.

Dry flies:
In the upper and middle reaches, the Waihou offers superb dry fly fishing. Sedge / caddis patterns work well throughout the summer with beetle patterns working very well in early summer and cicada and cricket patterns from late summer to autumn.

Wet flies:
In the lower reaches try Hamill's Killer, MrsSimpson or a small winged wet fly such as a Dad's Favourite, March Brown or Greenwell's Glory in the middle or upper reaches.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners such as Veltic or Mepps work well or try a black and gold Toby.