The Hinemaiaia River Trout Fishing

The Hinemaiaia is an inflowing eastern tributary of Lake Taupo which joins Lake Taupo at the settlement of Hatepe just off SH1.  It drains the western boundary of Kaimanawa Forest Park between the Waitahanui and Waipehi watersheds, flows north-west until it enters Lake Taupo. The Hinemaiaia has three hydro stations, the first of which acts as a barrier to fish moving upstream to spawn. Consequently winter fishing (which coincides with the spawning runs) is restricted to the section below the main highway bridge.

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
U18 Taupo
U19 Kaimanawa

The lower reaches of the Hinemaiaia offers great flyfishing as the fish make their spawning migrations up the river between April and September. The river is ideal for nymph fishing, though those wishing to wetline for fish can also have success. The water is generally very clear.

Obstructions

Trees on the bank sometimes restrict casting but tracks follow both banks of the river for many kilometers. You may experience underwater snags along the length of this river as it holds logs and other debris washed down in times of flood. Hooked fish often find freedom by fleeing under bankside vegetation and snagging lines or other hooks on branches in the water. For this reason some anglers prefer to only use one fly when fishing the Hinemaiaia.

The mouth is a favourite fishing spot, especially after dark when the fish are running. It also fishes well during the summer, peaking in late March and April. Locals tend to try and fish this mouth on very dark nights and after there has been a good westerly wind to bring fish to the river mouth.

Access

You can drive to the mouth of the Hinemaiaia. See the access map.

Methods

The runs just above the mouth are best suited to downstream lure fishing (wetlining) but above this, fishing with well sunk nymphs is the most popular and effective method. As the trout lie in the deeper parts of pools or under the river bank and will not rise far, you need to get your fly close to the bottom whatever method you are using. When  nymphing this means that either you use a heavy nymph (usually with a light unweighted nymph tied about 45cm below that) or put some split-shot on the leader to ensure the fly gets to the bottom. When wetlining John Kent recommends roll-casting or floating your line downstream and retrieving it slowly and deeply against the banks.

Access

This section of the river is easliy accessed via Rereahu Avenue which turns of State Highway 1 about 350 metres south of the Bridge. There are several small lanes and roads that lead to the river where there are places to park your car. The river is well serviced with lanes and tracks allowing the whole section to be accessed on foot. See the access map.

Above the Hatepe bridge on SH1 are some moderately deep holes and good lies against the bank. However, in some sections, trees can impede casting. Despite some bank erosion and deterioration, there is good nymph and downstream lure fishing at times. Although some trout can be spotted, many lie hidden under the banks. Snags are a real problem and consequently many anglers prefer to use only ony fly as any reasonable sized trout will find plenty of ways to hook a trailing fly on the large number of subsurface obstacles.

Access:

From the south side of the Hatepe bridge on SH1, take the track that runs upstream on the true left bank. This track takes you to the limit of the fishing on the Hinemaiaia (about 3kms above the bridge). The river is wadeable and can be crossed in many places. See the access map.

Because of the hydro-electric power dam, the upper reaches do not offer rewarding fishing, though the middle dam holds small rainbow and the top dam holds brook trout.

Access:

You need to obtain permission and directions from Taupo Electricity in Manuka Street, Taupo.
Middle dam: From a side road near Hatepe.
Top dam: From Hatepe hydro road, south of Taupo Airport.

See the access map.

For nymph fishing:

A 5 to 7 weight rod.
A floating line.
A weighted nymph with lighter nymphs tied below.
Leader 4-4.5 metres in length and 2.5-4 kg strength.
An indicator (to detect strikes)

For wetfly fishing:

A 6 or 7 weight rod.
A medium to fast sinking line.
A short tippet of 2-2.5 metres.

Nymph: Globugs, White Caddis, Halfback, Hare and Copper, and Pheasant Tail

Wet flies/streamers: Use smaller flies such as Red Setter and Rabbit patterns, in sizes 6-10. Also Parson's Glory, Mrs Simpson, and Hamill's Killer. During the night when fishing the rip at the mouth or larger pools in the river use dark patterns such as Scotch Poacher, Hairy Dog or a Black Rabbit pattern.

Smaller patterns (wee-wets) such as Invicta, March Brown and Greenwell's Glory can be very effective, especially on a warm summers evening.

Dry fly: In the summer when fishing for the resident fish try Coch-y-Bondu, cicada patterns and Daddy Long Legs during the warmer months; and try small dries in the Greenwell's Glory or March Brown varieties at other times.

There are no tributaries of note.

Above the lower (HB) dam and the hydro lakes:
Fly, spinner, and boat fishing are permitted.

From the mouth to the lower (HB) dam:
Fly fishing only, no boat fishing

Flyfishing only