Upper Ngaruroro access map

Lower Ngaruror access map

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The section upstream from where the Taihape-Napier road crosses the river tends to have the most inaccessible water. Downstream from the Taihape-Napier bridge the river flows firstly through a gorge before opening out to flow mostly through forest and open tussock land. This section of the river has a number of deep pools and long runs that flow over a stable gravel and stone bed. Although there are a number of very deep pools, there are places where the river can be crossed with care. When fishing this section it is often necessary to cross the river many times as only one bank provides reasonable fishing access. The water is clean and clear, allowing fish to be spotted and stalked.

There are a number of tributaries in this area that are also worth exploring. Throughout the section there is top-quality fishing for the energetic angler who wishes to fish for a good population of fish that can reach trophy size

Access

Due to the remote location, anglers wishing to fish the upper reaches need to either walk in along the well-defined tracks (if doing so, plan to spend at least a few days as this is a considerable walk) or fly in by helicopter. There is also a landing strip for fixed wing aircraft near the Boyd Hut. The Taihape-Napier highway crosses the river near the small settlement of Kuipapango.

Access

This section of the river has a large number of access points though in many places the landowner's permission must be sought to fish the river as it runs across their property. Some parts of the river are best reached by boat or kayak.

Access

There is reasonable access to the lower reaches along a track which runs down the true left-hand bank, and also by a number of roads that run alongside or cross the river.

Dry flies: Adams, Kakahi Queen, Caddis, Humpy, Royal Wulff and Cicada patterns in sizes 12 to 16.

Wet flies / Streamers: In the upper reaches use soft hackle or palmered flies such as Bibio, Zulu or Palmer Red and winged emerger patterns such as Invicta, March Brown or Greenwell's Glory. In the lower reaches try smelt patterns such as Great Ghost, rabbit patterns, Parsons Glory, Ginger Mick and Jack Spratt during the day and dark patterns such as Fuzzy Wuzzy or Black Marabou during the evening.

Spinners: In the upper and middle reaches cast small bladed spinners such as Veltic or Mepps upstream into the pools and runs and use wobbler patterns such as Ticers and Toby's in silver or gold or try Rapalas or Tasmanian Devils.