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Wainuiomata River

The Wainuiomata River is a productive brown trout fishery that is surprisingly close to Wellington. It holds a good population of fish and offers a very different fishing experience to other rivers in the area. Due to its location near Wellington it does receive some angling pressure particularly on the weekends.
Fish type Brown trout
Situation The Wainuiomata rises in the southern Rimutaka Ranges and flows south through the Wainuiomata township to enter Cook Straight near Baring Head.
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Description The Wainuiomata River is a productive if fickle river that flows across a mainly silt bed between high banks. It is generally open and exposed and so subject to the strong winds that can blow in the area.In the upper reaches above Wainuiomata town is quite small though the water quality is good. Few fish are held in this section however and the best fishing is in the middle section between the town and the beginning of the tidal section. This provides about 20 kms of good fishing water.

The river is unlike others in the area as it is generally quite slow flowing and has less definite structure so trout will often be found cruising pools rather than taking up station. It also makes it more difficult to approach them as the banks can be high with little background vegetation to mask your approach. As well, as the fish are generally cruising a beat they are not always facing upstream. Consequently a very stealthy approach is vital for success. That said with a little caution and stealth it is possible to stalk the fish that generally seem to feed near the surface.
Fish numbers and size Brown trout in reasonable numbers averaging around 1kg
Access The river runs alongside the road for most of its length. It is however necessary to seek landowner's permission before crossing their land to fish the river.
Methods This is great nymph and dry fly fishing water.
Recommended tackle Rods of between 4 - 5 weight are ideal.
Recommended lures

Nymphs: Small dark  mayfly and caddis patters

Dry flies: Throughout the season mayfly patterns such as Adams, Cicadas in summer

Wet flies: Small wets such as a March Brown in the evenings
Tributaries None
Regulations
Applicable to Wainuiomata River
Region Wellington region regulations
Season 1 Oct - 30 April
Methods Fly fishing only
Bag limit 1
Size limit (cm) Max size 550 mm

Other fishing waters of the region



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