| Fish type |
Both
brown and rainbow trout averaging under 1 kg but with some larger
fish also present. The numbers of fish are very good with there
being a particularly high population of small fish around the
half a kilogram size. |
| Situation |
The Waihou Stream rises in the
Kaimai and Mamaku ranges and flows north to join the Waihou
River just upstream from State Highway 29. |
| Maps |
Access
map
Access
map with topography
LINZ
topographic maps: 1:50,000 (260
series)
|
| Check conditions |
View the MetService
weather forecast for Hamilton. |
| F&G pamphlet |
South
Waikato Spring Creeks Trout Fishing access pamphlet |
| Description |
The upper
reaches the Waiomou Stream flows through native bushland but
once the stream emerges from the bush it flows over a shingle
bed through mainly pastoral land. The banks are well defined
and there is good bank side vegetation throughout its length.
As well there is a large amount of river weed within the stream
itself Consequently there is an abundance of food for the
large population of trout it supports.
Some small sections of this stream are
difficult to fish as it flows between steep banks but generally
it flows though open farmland making it easy to fish. Much
of the river is wadable (though seldom actually necessary
to do so). |
| Access |
There are several access points
though always ask the landowner before crossing their land.
The Tauranga-Matamata Road, the Tauranga-Hamilton Road (SH 29)
and the Te Poi-Tapapa Road all cross the Waiomou Stream providing
good access points. The Waiomou Road also provides good access
to some excellent water. |
| Methods |
All methods can be used on this
stream though it provides excellent opportunities for the dry
fly enthusiast. Those wishing to fish with a dry fly and nymph
in tandem will effectively double their chances. Late season
can see some large brown trout enter the stream in preparation
to spawn. These fish will often respond to a large wet fly such
as a Red Setter or a Hamills Killer fished across and downstream.
Throughout the season, small wee-wets and small soft hackled
flies can also be effective, especially in the evenings. |
| Recommended tackle |
As this is a small, generally
very clear water, it is necessary to use as light equipment
as is possible. Rods 8 1/2 to 9 feet with weight five lines
and 12 foot plus leaders are recommended. Keep tippets fine
(about 2kg). |
| Recommended lures |
Dry
flies: In the upper and middle reaches, the Waiomou
offers superb dry fly fishing. Sedge
and caddis
patterns work well throughout the summer with beetle
patterns working very well in early summer and cicada
and cricket
patterns from late summer to autumn.
Nymphs: Small
lightly weighted nymphs in sizes 14 to 18 in patterns such
as Hare and
Copper, Halfback,
and Pheasant
Tail work well throughout the season. During the height
of summer, unweighted midge patterns work well in early evening.
Wet flies:
Red Setters,
Hamill's
Killer, Mrs
Simpson or a small soft hackled wee-wet fly such as a
March
Brown spider or Gosling
in the middle and lower reaches fished across and down.
Spinners: Small
bladed spinners such as Veltic
or Mepps work
well or try a black
and gold Toby very late in the season. |
| Tributaries |
The Waiomou Stream has a number
of tributaries which provide excellent fishing for those who
enjoy fishing small waters for good stocks of small to medium
size fish with light tackle. These include the Omahine Stream,
the Rapurapu Stream, the Kakahu Stream and its small tributary
the Tukutupere Stream. |
| Regulations |
| Applicable to |
Waiomou River and tributaries |
| Region |
Auckland/Waikato
regulations |
| Season |
Oct 1-Jun
30 |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner |
| Bag limit |
5 |
| Size limit (cm) |
30cm |
