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Otaki River Trout Fishing

The Otaki River offers wilderness fishing with access by walking or raft for small numbers of good-sized brown trout.

 

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Fish type, number and size The Otaki River's stock of brown trout is not high, but a few good-sized specimen are caught
Situation The Otaki River rises in the eastern Tararua Range and flows westward to enter the sea on the Kapiti Coast near Otaki.
Maps

Access map

Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps to refer to (260 Map Series, 1:50,000):
S26 Carterton (upper reaches)

S25 Otaki (lower reaches)
F&G pamphlet Kapiti Coast access pamphlet >>>
Description

Upper reaches: An extensive catchment within the Tararua Conservation Park offers excellent sight fishing provided you are fit and willing to tramp. 

Middle reaches: Below the park boundary the river runs though a long gorge which has deep pool and great views. Around the Otaki Forks, spinning may draw trout out from the deep holding pools.

Lower reaches: The shingly, willow-lined lower reaches are periodically affected by floods and gravel extraction. Whitebait are the magnet for trout here so a spinner or smelt fly are recommended.

Access

Upper reaches: Tramp on foot from the Forks into Tararua Conservation Park.

Middle reaches: Otaki Gorge Road follows the true left bank upstream to Otaki Falls. A 4WD vehicle is recommended as the road is not always in great condition.

Lower reaches: Downstream from SH! there are good access roads.

See the Otaki River access map and the list of Otaki River access points.

Recommended lures

Nymphs:

Dry flies:

Wet flies:

Spinners:

Regulations (1)
Applicable to Otaki River upstream from the Tararua Forest Park boundary
Region Wellington region regulations
Season 1 Oct-30 Apr
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit 1 trout
Size limit (cm) None
Regulations (2)
Applicable to Otaki River downstream from the Tararua Forest Park boundary
Region Wellington region regulations
Season All year
Methods Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit No limit
Size limit (cm) None

 

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