Wheao River / Rangitaiki Canal Trout Fishing

The Wheao River carries the water diverted out of the Rangitaiki River into the Wheao Power Scheme. It is a very scenic section of river with large amounts of native vegetation along the river and access points along a foot track. It offers an ideal day out for fishing, enjoying the environment, scenery and a pleasant walk along the river track.

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Fish type	Both brown and rainbow trout are present.
Situation	The Wheao River, also known as the Rangitaiki Canal, carries the water diverted out of the Rangitaiki River into the Wheao Power Scheme.
Maps	Access maps Access maps with topography LINZ topographic maps: 1:50,000 (260 series)
F&G pamphlet	Rangitaiki River access pamphlet Kaingaroa Recreational Access pamphlet
Check conditions	This waterway is part of a hydro power scheme so do be aware of rising water levels. View the MetService weather forecast for Whakatane.
Description	The river from the Wheao West Road bridge upstream to the Wheao Power House carries the water diverted out of the Rangitaiki River into the Wheao Power Scheme. In many places access is still difficult due to vegetation and scrubby banks, however there are plenty of places where the river can be accessed with pools, runs and rapids to fish. In addition it is a very scenic section of river with large amounts of native vegetation along the river in many places. It would be an ideal day out with a packed lunch, camera, fishing gear, to fish and have a day enjoying the environment, scenery and an pleasant walk along the river track.
Access	Access permits are required from ISCL, Tarewa Road, Rotorua, phone: 07 347 8880. The Kiorenui Road Bridge provides access to the Rangitaiki Canal. Roads run on both sides of the canal offering very good access. Access to the stretch of water from the Wheao West Road bridge upstream to the Wheao Power House is provided along a 5.4 km long track maintained by Fish & Game. The track is signposted from each end for foot access only. Several side access tracks to the river come off the main track. To get into this area, from Rotorua, go onto SH38, then onto Wairapakau Road. At the end of Wairapakau Road turn right onto Low Level Road, and proceed as if heading towards Flaxy Lakes. Then to reach the: Wheao Power House end of the track: Make towards and onto Kiorenui Road. On Kiorenui Road the Wheao West Road is a major intersection marked with an angler access sign. Proceed down this road for approximately 5 km to the bridge over the Wheao River. Just before reaching the bridge, an angler access sign is located on the right hand side of the road, indicating the start of the track. There is vehicle access for a short way up the track. Vehicles can be parked at an old skid site, or else if preferred back out at the Wheao West Road. Wheao West Road bridge end of the track: To reach the other end of the track, proceed as if going to Flaxy Lakes and take the turn off along the canal to the Wheao Power House. The start of the track is sign posted around the back of the Power House, and then initially leads off downstream through a stand of scenic native bush. Vehicles can be parked at the Wheao Power House carpark.
Methods	The river lends itself to deeply fished weighted nymphs, on in summer to dry fly and terrestrial imitations, as well as to spin fishing.
Recommended lures	Nymphs: Dry flies: Wet flies: Spinners:
Regulations
Applicable to	Wheao River (Rangitaiki Canal)
Region	Eastern region regulations
Season	All year
Methods	Artificial fly, spinner
Bag limit	Trout: 2
Size limit (cm)	None

Murray Downie:
Fly Fishing in New Zealand

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