Pokaiwhenua River

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps: 1:50,000 (260 series)

The Pokaiwhenua is essentially two seperate fisheries divided by a large waterfall that can be seen from the Arapuni - Putaruru road.

In the lower section downstream from the waterfall there are approximately 12 kms of fishable water. This section is an important spawing stream for fish from Lake Karapiro which it feeds into. Late in the season some big brown trout move into the river in preparation for spawning. This section is quite difficult to access in many partts as it flows through steeply sided gorges. The mouth of the river near the Horahora road is a popular and productive sectioon to fish especially late in the season when fish will congregate in prperation of moving upstream to spawn.

Above the waterfall the river is quite different and flows over mostly open farmland. It flows over a gravel and pumic bed and tends to flow clear and clean. In this section fish are smaller and are resident fish (i.e. they do not run to the lake but stay in the river throughout the year).

Three roads cross the pokaiwhenua. The Horahora rd near the mouth, the Arapuni- Putaruru road which crosses near the waterfall and the Old Taupo Road that crosses a few kilometres above the waterfall. Access can be gained where these roads cross.

For most of the river it is necesssary to ask permission from the landowners over whose properties the river flows.

If targeting the larger fish in the lower section a rod capable of handling big fish is recommended. Some fish are very large and do not like being hooked. Good strong tippet is highly recommended with rods capable of casting a 7 weight ideal.

The upper reaches are different and lighter tackle and rods are more likely to reward anglers as the water is clearer and there is not as much cover. Rods between 4 - 6 weight with lighter tippets work well.

Dry flies: During the early summer beetle patterns and cicada patterns in late summer work well during the day. Otherwise try smaller patterns such as a Adams or Blue Dun or a Twilight Beauty during the change of light in the evening.

Nymphs: Small nymphs such as Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tail and Halfback patterns are all effective. A small Theo's Bomber can also excite the rainbows in the upper section.

Wet flies: Small wee-wets such as  a Greenwells Glory or March Brown fished across and down through the faster water can induce some very hard takes from these feisty fish. In the lower section a Wolly Bugger can also be effective and around the mouth of the stream at the lake, use bully patterns such as a Hamills Killer, Mrs Simpson or Kilwell pattern.

Spinners: Very small bladed spinners such as veltics or Mepps in the upper reaches with Toby patterns and rapalas in the bigger lower section and around the mouth.