| Fish type, number and
size |
Brown
and rainbow trout averaging around 1 to 2 kg with some larger
fish also present. |
| Situation |
The Retaruke and its major tributary
the Kaitieke Stream rise in the Central Plateau and flow westwards
to join the Whanganui River in the remote Whanganui National
Park. |
| Maps |
Access
map
Access
map with topography
LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series,
1:50,000)
R19
Whangamomona
S19
Raurimu |
| F&G pamphlet |
Ruapehu
Sports Fishing Information pamphlet
|
| Check conditions |
River flow,
level and rainfall
View graphs at the Horizons
Regional Council website.
Weather forecast
View the MetService
weather forecast for Taumarunui |
| Description |
Above the
confluence with the Kaitieke Stream
The stretch of the Reatruka River above
the confluence with the Kaitieke Stream provides superb dry
fly and nymph fishing in a remote back country setting where
there are few obstructions to impede casting. Wading is easy
and safe. There is excellent fishing for a good population
of both rainbow and brown trout.
During the day, a weighted nymph fished
upstream or the small wet fly presented down and access will
take fish. Dry fly fishing is effective during the evening
rise on warm summer evenings.
The river in the upper reaches runs through
open grassland, scrub and sections of bush over a gravel and
rock bed. The water is generally tannin stained though fish
can still be spotted during bright sunny conditions.
Below the confluence with the Kaitieke Stream
Below the confluence with the Kaitieke
Stream there is 20 km of water that is better suited to spinner
fishing. The use of weighted nymphs in dark colours can also
produce fish.
|
| Access |
From State Highway 4 travel
take the sealed Whakahora-Kaitieke Road, which turns off SH4
just south of Owhango, or take the unsealed road further south
on SH4 just south of the small settlement of Raurimu. |
Recommended tackle |
When fishing the upper reaches
an 8-foot 6 to 9 foot rod with a weight five to six line is
ideal. As the water generally holds some colour leaders do not
need to be especially long with 9 to 10 feet being usually sufficient. |
| Recommended lures |
Dry
fly: In the upper reaches a number of flies work well
at different times of the year. In the early season try larger
Parachute Adams,
Royal Wulff
or Kakahi Queen.
Around mid-November
beetle imitations work well and during the height of summer
try Black Gnat,
cicada or blow
fly patterns. In the warmer evenings there can be good
rises to caddis fly so Elk Hair and Goddard's
Caddis are effective. Also try Twilight
Beauty.
Nymphs: Caddis
nymphs, especially horned caddis work well throughout
the season. Otherwise try
Pheasant Tail in sizes 12 to 16. In the deeper water some
weight may be needed to ensure that the nymphs get down through
the water to where the fish are feeding.
Wetflies:
March Brown
and Purple March Brown. In the deeper water below the confluence
try bully patterns such as a Mrs
Simpson or Hamill's
Killer, or a small black Hairy
Dog.
Spinners:
Black and gold Tobys,
Rapalas and
Veltics will
work well particularly below the confluence. |
| Tributaries |
The major tributary of the Retaruke,
the Kaitieke Stream, is an important fishery in its own right.
|
| Regulations
(1) |
| Applicable to |
Retaruke River upstream from
Oio Road Bridge |
| Region |
Taranaki
region regulations |
| Season |
1 Oct-30 Apr |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner, bait |
| Bag limit |
Trout: 4 |
| Size limit (cm) |
None |
| Regulations
(2) |
| Applicable to |
Retaruke River downstream from
Oio Road Bridge |
| Region |
Taranaki
region regulations |
| Season |
All year |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner, bait |
| Bag limit |
Trout: 4 |
| Size limit (cm) |
None |
