Makuri River Trout Fishing

Access map

Access map with topography

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

T24 Palmerston North

The Makuri has been described as being the closest to a chalk stream in the region. It is a challenging water to fish and many areas are inaccessible and unfishable. Above the gorge upstream of the small settlement of Makuri, there is some good fishing. Much of the river is accessible in this section and holds a good population of fish in generally clear cool water. This section of the river flows over open land and through stands of willow lined banks and is made up of a series of pools and long riffles.

Downstream form Makuri township to the confluence with the Tiraumea the river flows rapidly through a bushlined narrow gorge making both access and fishing very difficult. Only those prepared to bash there way through the bush should attempt to get to the fish that lie in the deeply cut channels and holes in this section. As much of this part of the river is very fast flowing and swirls around large boulders it does not make for good trout habitat however.

Early in the season the river fishes well but becomes more challenging as the season progresses and the trout become more "educated". The water is generally clear and great care should be taken in approaching and casting to sighted fish.

Nymphs: Small lightly coloured nymphs such as Pheasants Tail, Hare and Copper and Halfbacks during the brighter days with darker patterns as evening approaches. Some weight may be required to get the nymphs down in the pools on the warmer days when the trout may be lying low.

Dry flies: Large flies such as Humpies, Royal Wulff and Caddis patterns throughout the season. Try beetle patterns around November to mid-December and Cicada, Cricket patterns and blowfly patterns through summer to early autumn.

Wet flies: Small wee-wets in spider patterns and winged patterns fished across and down the faster water can be effective.

Spinners: This is not spinner water (and no spinners are allowed to be used above the Makuri Bridge)

There are no tributaries of note.