Mangatainoka River Trout Fishing

Access map

Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps to refer to (260 Map Series, 1:50,000):

T24 Palmerston North (lower reaches)

The Mangatainoka offers 45 km of fishable water. This water is highly recommended and will provide soemthing for all anglers and all levels of skill.

Upper reaches: The pools and bouldery runs of the upper reaches are unstable during floods. Anglers can expect good sight fishing early in the season near Putara, but as the river warms and the flow reduces later in the season the fish head downstream.

Middle and lower reaches: There is good fishing through out the year in the deep pools, long glides and shallow runs over a shingle base. Blind fly fishing and spin fishing are the methods of choice, and there is generally room for casting from at least one river bank. When you need to cross the river, especially in summer, beware of slippery stones (due to algal growth). When the water is clear fish can be spotted in the lies and pools. Look to see what they are feeding on and at what depth) and then try and match it.

There are many access points from roads running west off SH2, and at the many bridges which cross the river; and where SH2 crosses the river at Mangatainoka.

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 during the days and sedge patterns in the early evening.

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

Spinners: Try small rapalas and bladed spinners such as a veltic.