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Retaruke River Trout Fishing

The Retaruke River is a small back country river that provides many kilometres of fishing for a good population of both rainbow and brown trout

 

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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

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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

 

Blue Duck Lodge

Blue Duck Lodge / Whio Lodge

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