Wairoa River Trout Fishing

The Wairoa river is a large river best suited to spin fishing for the reasonable population of brown and rainbow trout. The Wairoa River is best known for its tributaries which provide world class fishing.

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Fish type	There are a reasonable numbers of rainbow trout and some brown trout also present. Fish average around 1.5 kg.
Situation	The Wairoa River is formed by the confluence of the Hangaroa and the Ruakituri rivers which meet at the beautiful Te Reinga Falls. The river then flows south to enter the sea at the township of Wairoa.
Maps	Access map Access map with topography LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000) X18 Tiniroto X19 Wairoa
Check conditions	River level View graphs of the Wairoa River level: - at Marumaru - at Railway Bridge (lower reaches) Rainfall View graphs of rainfall: - at Nga Tuhoe (north of the headwaters) - at Marumaru Weather forecast View the MetService weather forecast for Napier.
Description	The Wairoa river is not a particularly attractive river as it is often silt laden, and being large and slow-moving is best suited to spin fishing. The banks are often tree-lined with willows and other trees making access difficult in places.
Access	The section of the river just below the confluence with the Ruakituri and the Hangaroa River can be reached from the small settlement of Te Reinga. The lower reaches her easily accessed as State Highway 36 runs close to the river for many kilometres. See the Wairoa River access map.
Recommended tackle	Spinning equipment capable of casting a seven to 10 g lure on a 3 kg line is recommended.
Recommended lures	Wet flies: Large bully patterns such as Mrs Simpson, Hamill's Killer in sizes 6 to 10 or smelt patterns for fishing around the estuary when the whitebait are running. Spinners: Toby patterns in black or gold in sizes 7 to 14 g.
Tributaries	The Wairoa River is best known for its tributaries which provide world class fishing. These include the Ruakituri River, the Hangaroa River, the Waikaretaheke River with its tributary the Waiau River.
Regulations (1)
Applicable to	Wairoa River above Te Reinga Falls
Region	Eastern region regulations
Season	Oct 1-Jun 30
Methods	Artificial fly, spinner
Bag limit	2
Size limit	None
Regulations (2)
Applicable to	Wairoa River below Te Reinga Falls to SH2
Region	Eastern region regulations
Season	All year
Methods	Artificial fly, spinner
Bag limit	2 trout
Size limit (cm)	None
Regulations (3)
Applicable to	Wairoa River below SH2 Bridge
Region	Eastern region regulations
Season	All year
Methods	Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit	No limit
Size limit (cm)	None

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