Access map

The Moawhango River rises in the tussock highlands near Tongariro and within the New Zealand Defence Force Army Training Area. In 1979 a dam was built near the headwaters to divert water for hydro electric power production. The river downstream from this dam has been severely reduced as a consequence. Despite this extraction of water, the Moawhango still provides excellent fishing for energetic and fit anglers who are prepared to scramble up and down steep hills and be prepared for some deep water river crossings. The river bed can get very slippery during the summer and care should be taken when wading.

The upper reaches and headwaters, as well as the shallow man-made Lake Moawhango, are with in the army training area and are consequently not accessible to anglers. The central section downstream from Moawhango village provides reasonable access with a road paralleling the river for some distance. Upstream from Moawhango village can also provide good fishing if you obtain the land owners permission to cross their land. Much of the river however flows through a deeply sided valley and it is not an easy river to access. Consequently it also receives little angling pressure making it a great alternative for anglers wishing to find some remote fishing where they are very unlikely to see anyone else fishing.

The lower reaches are virtually impossible to access as the river flows through a deep steep sided valley.

After rain, the water in this river can quickly discolour and so is best left for a few days to clear before attempting to fish.

Nymphs:
Dark patterns with some weight such as a Caddis pattern, Pheasant Tail, or a roughly tied Hare and Copper type pattern in sizes 12 to 16. Fish on this river seem to respond best to very roughly tied nymphs.

Dry flies:
Caddis imitations from late spring through summer. Try a larger cicada or cricket  pattern when these insects about from mid to late summer. Larger Royal Wulff patterns are also effective particularly when fished in tandem with a trailing nymph.

Wet flies:
Try bully patterns such as a Mrs Simpsons or Kilwell pattern especially if the water is a little dirty.

Spinners: This water is not recommended for the spin or bait fisherman