Patea River Fishing

The Patea River rises on the eastern slopes of Mount Taranaki and flows first in an easterly direction through the town of Stratford before turning south to enter the Tasman Sea that the small township of Patea.

The river has been dammed halfway along its course with the resultant formation of Lake Rotorangi which neatly divides the river into two separate fisheries.

Access map

Access map with togography map

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

River flow and river level

View graphs of recent river flow and river level at the Taranaki Regional Council website.

Rainfall

View graphs of recent rainfall at the Taranaki Regional Council website.

Weather forecast

View the MetService weather forecast for Wanganui.

In its upper reaches the Patea River provides excellent fishing for large brown trout some of which can reach trophy size. In the upper reaches the water is generally very clear flowing over a stony and gravel bed. It provides excellent trout habitat and fish can be sighted in the water.

Below the dam there are many kilomtres of excellent water though the best and most productive is to be found in the section just below the dam itself. As the river moves closer to the sea it tends to pick up a lot of sediment and so discolours making it less enjoyable to fish.

Dry flies: Bushy flies such as Humpy or Royal Wulff, and beetle, cricket and cicada patterns can work well in the warmer months.

Nymphs: Stonefly and caddis fly nymphs, creepers (Dobsonfly larva) and roughly tied Hare and Coppers.

Wet flies: Small wet flies such as Bibio, Greenwell's Glory or Invicta can be effective especially in the evenings.

Spinners: Black and gold tobys, z-spinners, veltics, and rapalas are effective in both normal and low river flows.

Bait: Early in the season, a fly, creeper, or worm suspended under a bubble float is recommended - adjust the length of the leader to the depth of the water.