Kaniwhaniwha Stream Trout Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
S15 Te Awamutu

The Kaniwhaniwha is a small stream that flows through patches of bush and over farmland, providing many kilometres of fishable water. It flows over a shingle and bolder bed and fishes best early and late in the season. There is fishing available throughout its length and early in the season good fish can be found right up beyond the bush line. During the height of summer algae can be a problem and during long periods of dry weather, the rivers flow can reduce significantly, making angling challenging.

It is highly regarded as a dry fly stream and fish can sometimes be spotted in its generally clear water. It does receive a high degree of angling pressure however, with the consequence that many of the fish are easily spooked. A very highly regarded water that is recommended for any competent angler wishing to try to tempt these wary trout.

Access to the popular middle reaches is from the Karamu Limeworks Road and there is public access downstream along the true left bank from Fillery Road. The upper reaches are accessed from a DOC track leading off from the Karamu Limeworks Road. See the Lower Waipa access map.

Nymphs: Unweighted or lightly weighted Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail, Halfbacks and other caddis patterns in sizes 12 to 18. Small midge patterns fished just subsurface on warm summer evenings can also be effective.

Dry flies: Small flies such as Royal Wulff, Kakahi Queen, Twilight Beauty, or Adams all work well throughout the year. Brown and green beetles in early summer and cricket, cicada and Lace Fly patterns from late summer.

Wet flies: Small wet flies such as March Brown, Greenwell's Glory and Invicta are particularly effective especially when trout are rising as these match emerging insects that the trout are feeding on just subsurface. Often using small wet flies can also be the most effective method during an evening rise.