Waimarino River Trout Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
T19 Tongariro
U19 Kaimanawa

River flow

The Waimarino river flow is normally 2-3 cubic metres per second.

Weather forecast

View the MetService weather forecast for Taupo.

Description:

Although the lower reaches tend to be overgrown and there is limited holding water, downstream lure (wetfly) fishing can work well after rain. Fish tend to congregate around the mouth before a fresh fall of rain as they prepare to run up the river to spawn. However, once entering the river they tend to move through the lower reaches quickly.

Access:

Access is either from the SH1 bridge or from the mouth. From SH1 take the shingle vehicle track which runs down the true left (southern) bank some distance from the water. While it is possible to drive to the mouth of the river, this really should only be done using a four-wheel-drive. Otherwise park your car in the car park and walk the last 500 m. Then walk north along the lake shore to the mouth.

Alternatively cross the bridge and walk down the true right bank.

See the local access map.

Description:

In this stretch of water, between SH1 and Korohe Pa, a few pools contain trout that can be sighted and caught with nymphs. Or try casting a lure (wetfly) downstream under the banks. The best times are early in the day and after a fresh fall of rain when there is more volume of water in the river.

Access:

SH1 crosses the Waimarino and a vehicle access track leads up the true left bank for a short way. A walking track follows the true left-hand bank of river for about 4 km.

Access to the top section is from Korohe Road, which leads to Korohe Crossing. (Korohe Road turns off SH1 approximately 500 m south of the bridge.)

See the local access map.

Description:

The upper reaches contain mostly trout recovering from spawning in delightful pools and runs. But you need to be prepared to scramble to get to them. The river is easy to cross, casting is clear, and fish can be spotted. As these fish are trying to put on condition after spawning they will take most lures that are well presented to them.

During much of the year the water is low and very clear. This, combined with the overhanging vegetation and many snags in the river, make for very difficult fishing. Good fish, however, can be spotted in the clear water, and the angler is unlikely to be bothered by crowds. The best fishing is probably at the end of the fishing season in the late autumn and early winter.

Access:

Either park your car on SH1 and walk a good distance (a walking track follows the true left-hand bank of river for about 4 km) or have a friend drop you off up Korohe Road at Korohe Pa. Korohe Road turns off SH1 approximately 500 m south of the bridge. See the local 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 (during the spawning season), White Caddis, Halfback, Hare and Copper

Wet flies/streamers: Use smaller flies such as Red Setter and Rabbit patterns especially an Orange Rabbit. Also Parson's Glory, Mrs Simpson, and Hamill's Killer. Use smelt patterns such as Grey Ghost or Taupo Tiger when fishing the mouth during the day; and dark patterns such as Black Marabou or Fuzzy Wuzzy at night.

Dry flies: During the summer try small Parachute Adams or sedge patterns. During the early summer try beetle patterns; and cicada patterns later in summer.