Waimarino River
The Waimarino River is a delightful stream near Turangi offering excellent rainbow trout fishing that requires a delicate presentation in an uncrowded environment. |
Fish type | Brown and rainbow trout |
Situation | The Waimarino is an eastern tributary of Lake Taupo which enters the lake north of Turangi. It drain the western boundary of the Kaimanawa Forest Park and flows north-west by Korohe Pa until it enters Lake Taupo. |
Maps | |
Check conditions |
The Waimarino river flow is normally 2-3 cubic metres per second. View the MetService weather forecast. |
Description | The Waimarino is a small river that is best fished after a fresh fall of rain as this brings a run of fish into the river. This small river comes into its own during winter as it is a major spawning stream for the fishery.
There is excellent fishing at the mouth throughout the year, but best on a dark night as it is very shallow. |
Lower reaches |
Description: Although the lower reaches tend to be overgrown and there is limited holding water, downstream lure (wetfly) fishing can work well after rain. Fish tend to congregate around the mouth before a fresh fall of rain as they prepare to run up the river to spawn. However, once entering the river they tend to move through the lower reaches quickly. The track alongside the river is very overgrown and only suitable for 4WD vehicles (expect a few scratches). In places it is possible to get down into the river and fish can often be seen in the slowing moving water. They are very wary however and will spook easily. Access: Access is either from the SH1 bridge where a shingle vehicle track which runs down the true left (southern) bank some distance from the water. While it is possible to drive Alternatively cross the bridge and walk down the true right bank. See the local access map (coming soon). |
Middle reaches |
Description: In this stretch of water, between SH1 and Korohe Pa, the pools and runs usually contain trout that can be sighted and caught with nymphs in the winter months when the fish move in from the lake. Or try casting a lure (wetfly) downstream under the banks. The best times are early in the day and after a fresh fall of rain when there is more volume of water in the river. Access: SH1 crosses the Waimarino and a vehicle access track leads up the true left bank for a short way. A walking track follows the true left-hand bank of river for about 4 km. Access to the top section is from Korohe Road, which leads to Korohe Crossing. (Korohe Road turns off SH1 approximately 500 m south of the bridge.) See the local access map (coming soon). |
Upper reaches |
Description: The upper reaches contain mostly trout recovering from spawning in delightful pools and runs. But you need to be prepared to scramble to get to them. The river is easy to cross, casting is clear, and fish can be spotted. As these fish are trying to put on condition after spawning they will take most flies that are well presented to them. During much of the year the water is low and very clear. This, combined with the overhanging vegetation and many snags in the river, make for very difficult fishing. Good fish, however, can be spotted in the clear water, and the angler is unlikely to be bothered by crowds. The best fishing is from late autumn and to spring. Access: Either park your car on SH1 and walk a good distance (a walking track follows the true left-hand bank of river for about 4 km) or have a friend drop you off up Korohe Road at Korohe Pa. Korohe Road turns off SH1 approximately 500 m south of the bridge. See the local access map (coming soon). |
Fish numbers and size | Numbers of large fish in the river is very high after a good fall of rain during the winter spawning runs. Otherwise numbers are low as the river are low during the warm dry months. |
Recommended tackle |
For nymph fishing: A 5 to 7 weight rod. For wetfly fishing: A 5 to 7 weight rod. |
Recommended lures |
Nymph: Globugs (during the spawning season), Caddis, Halfback, Hare and Copper Wet flies/streamers: Use smaller flies such as Red Setter and Rabbit patterns especially an Orange Rabbit. Also Parson's Glory, Mrs Simpson, and Hamill's Killer. Dry flies: During the summer try small Parachute Adams or caddis patterns. During the early summer try beetle patterns; and cicada patterns later in summer. |
Regulations (1) | |
Applicable to | Waimarino River between it source and a point about 1 km above Korohe Crossing |
Region | Taupo fishery area regulations |
Season | 1 Dec-31 May |
Methods | Fly fishing only Anchored boat only |
Bag limit | 6 |
Size limit (cm) | 35 cm minimum |
Regulations (2) | |
Applicable to | Waimarino River lower reaches below the marker above Korohe Crossing |
Region | Taupo fishery area regulations |
Season | All year |
Methods | Fly fishing only Anchored boat only |
Bag limit | 6 |
Size limit (cm) | 35 cm minimum |
Regulations (3) | |
Applicable to | Tributaries of the Waimarino River |
Region | Taupo fishery area regulations |
Season | Closed |
Methods | None |
Bag limit | 0 |
Size limit (cm) | Not applicable |