Manganuioteao River Trout and Fly Fishing

The Manganuioteao River is a hugely rated scenic river which supports a nationally significant fishery for brown and rainbow trout. A variety of water caters for all skill levels. The Manganuioteao is one of nine nationally important North Island fisheries and is considered the jewel in the crown of the Taranaki fisheries.

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Fish type, number and size	The Manganuioteao River holds brown and rainbow trout, averaging 1.5kg with some growing up to 3.5 kg or larger
Situation	The Manganuioteao River is situated north of Raetihi in the Ruapehu district of the central North Island. It rises on the western flows of Mt Ruapehu and flows through native forest and farmland to its confluence with the Whanganui River 13 kilometres above Pipiriki.
Maps	Access map Access map with topography LINZ topographic maps: 1:50,000 (260 series)
Check conditions	View MetService weather forecast for Taumarunui.
F&G pamphlet	Ruapehu Sports Fishing Information pamphlet
Description	The Manganuioteao River boasts high water quality (from snow melt and glacial runoff), plentiful insect life, good cover from large boulders overhanging bush, deep pools and papa ledges. The sequence of pools, runs and rapids gives anglers a diversity of fishable water to choose from. Pools are productive early in the season, while the rapids and runs fish best later on. Because the number of anglers here is low by national standards, good fishing areas are always available in very scenic surroundings.
Access	Upper reaches The upper section within Tongariro National Park is difficult to access. Middle reaches About 15km of river is accessible. About 4km north of Raetihi on SH4, turn left into Ohura Road and follow it for 8km to reach the river. The Makakahi, Ruatiti and Pukekaha Roads branch off Ohura Road to the lower, middle and upper reaches respectively. River access and a free camping area are available at Ruatiti Domain. Bridge crossings also provide access. A large sign at Ruatiti Domain shows the various property boundaries along the river and anglers must get permission from the appropriate landowner. Landowners phone numbers are included in Fish & Game's Ruapehu Sports Fishing Information pamphlet. See the Manganuioteao River access map. Lower reaches The 13 km before the river enters the Whanganui River is an inaccessible gorge.
Methods	All fishing methods are popular. Daytime nymphing with weighted flies is recommended. Add spilt shot to your leader to get down to the fish. Dry fly fishing is favoured for the evening rise. For spin fishing, use fine lines and the smallest spinners when the river is slow in summer; larger bright spinners when the water is discoloured.
Recommended lures	Dry flies: Coch-y-Bondhu, Brown Beetle, Black Gnat and Twilight Beauty patterns. Nymphs: Well-wieghted Halfback, Hare and Copper and caddis imitations. Spinners: Small lures such as Veltics and Jensen in low summer water. Try wobblers such as Zeds and Tobys in discoloured water.
Regulations (1)
Applicable to	Manganuioteao River upstream of the Orautoha Stream confluence
Region	Taranaki region regulations
Season	1 Oct-30 Jun
Methods	Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit	Trout: 3
Size limit (cm)	None
Regulations (2)
Applicable to	Manganuioteao River downstream of the Orautoha Stream confluence
Region	Taranaki region regulations
Season	1 Oct-30 Sept
Methods	Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit	Trout: 3
Size limit (cm)	None

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