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Mangaohae River Trout Fishing

The Mangaohae River is a very scenic backcountry river which provides top-quality dry fly and nymphing water for a large population of rainbow trout.

 

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Fish type Rainbow trout
Situation The Mangaohae River is a major tributary of the Marokopa River. Its headwater are in the rugged hills to the west of the small settlement of Piopio from where it flows north to join the Tawarau River before flowing on to the Marokopa River.
Maps

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
R17 Awakino

F&G pamphlet Waitomo and Kawhia Trout Fishing access pamphlet >>>
Description

The Mangaohae River is a beautiful river that offers the angler the chance to fish for a large population of rainbow trout in a spectacular scenic setting.

Upper reaches

Description

The upper reaches of the river are small but hold a surprisingly good population of reasonably sized fish in the deeper pools. The upper reaches are best either early or late in the season.

Fish numbers and size

Fish numbers in this section are lower than the rest of the river but there are some surprisingly large fish.

Access

Ngapaenga Road runs alongside the Mangaohae. Where access is over open farmland, you must ask permission before fishing. See the Mangaohae River access map.

Middle reaches

Description

The middle reaches from the Pomarangi Bridge to the gorge is the most fished section of this river due to the easy access and large population of fish. The river flows over open farmland and across a rock and gravel bed. While being very popular for spin fishing, it also provides excellent dry fly and nymphing water.

Fish numbers and size

Fish numbers can be very high and mostly around the 1kg size range.

Access

Ngapaenga Road and Were Road run alongside the Mangaohae, making access easy. To reach Ngapaenga Road, turn off SH3, 3 km north of Te Kuiti, into Oparure Road. See the Mangaohae River access map

Lower reaches

Description

The lower reaches of the river from the beginning of the gorge to the confluence with the Tawarau River provide spectacular wilderness quality fishing for a very high population of hard-fighting rainbow trout. Scenery in the section adds to the excellence of the fishing experience as huge cliffs rise from the river banks and much of the river flows through stands of beautiful native bush. A reasonable degree of fitness is required to fish this area.

Fish numbers and size

There is an excellent population of rainbow trout mostly in the one to 1.5 kg range.

Access

Access is by a track which follows the river from the end of Were Road down to its confluence with the Tawarau River, then runs parallel with the Tawarau until it meets the end of Speedies Road. Camping sites are available along the track. See the Mangaohae River access map

Methods Both spinning and fly fishing work well on this river though many regard it as a top-quality dry fly and nymphing water.
Recommended tackle Weight 5 rods or very light spinning tackle is recommended.
Recommended lures

Nymphs: Small lightly weighted nymphs in sizes 14 and 16 such as Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tails and caddis patterns.

Dry flies: Throughout the season small dry flies such as Twilight Beauty, Greenwell's Glory, or Royal Wulff work well. In late summer cicada patterns and Daddy Long Legs can be very effective.

Wet flies/streamers: Any small wet flies such as March Brown, Invicta and Greenwell's Glory can be very effective when fished just subsurface during the evening rise.

Spinners: Use small bladed spinners in red and gold patterns such as Mepps and Veltic.

Tributaries The Pomarangi Stream is a small stream that holds some large fish. Access to the middle and upper reaches of the Pomarangi is from Pomarangi Road.
Regulations
Applicable to Mangaohae Stream
Region Auckland/Waikato regulations >>>
Season Oct 1-Jun 30
Methods Artificial fly, spinner
Bag limit 5
Size limit (cm) 30cm minimum

 

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