Access map

The Mangahao River flows through the Tararua ranges in its headwaters where it flows over a stone and shingle bed. Fish numbers in this area are low but the size and condition of the fish compensates for this. This is challenging wilderness fishing and as the water is invariably clear allowing anglers to cast to sighted fish.

After leaving the Tararua ranges, the river flows over a large stone and shingle bed between high banks. This section provides excellent back country fishing, though fish stocks are low. Use the height provided by some of the banks to spot the fish in the clear water below. Once at the river level it is possible to walk long distances along the
river though the large unstable stones can make walking difficult in places. Fish can be spotted in the clear water and some reach very impressive sizes.

Note: A dam in the upper reaches can open its gates (usually in March) to desilt the headwaters. When this happens the river becomes unfishable for some time afterwards. Check locally as to when this last happened.

Nymphs:
Caddis patterns, Pheasant Tail and Prince Nymph patterns. Usually smaller sizes (14 – 18) and with a little weight in the deeper pools especially during the summer months.

Dry flies:
Caddis fly patterns and large Mayfly patterns throughout the season with beetle patterns around November and cicada patterns and crickets in the summer months.

Wet flies:
Small spider patterns fished across and down.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners.