| Fish type |
Both
rainbow and brown trout throughout the river system with fish
in the upper reaches reaching trophy size (i.e. over 4.5 kg)
with the average through the rest of the system being around
1.5 to 2 kg. Fish numbers are good throughout the system though
there are fewer fish per kilometre in the upper reaches. This
is made up for by the quality and size of the fish being larger
in this section. |
| Situation |
The Rangitikei river flows from
the Kaimanawa Forest Park through the bush clad hills in the
upper reaches and over more accessible open land through the
middle reaches (though some areas are also restricted by steep
gorges) and then finally becoming a slower moving large river
before entering the Tasman Sea west of Palmerston North. |
| Maps |
Upper
Rangitikei River maps:
Access
map
Access
map with topography
Mid Rangitikei River maps:
Access
map
Access
map with topography
Lower Rangitikei River maps:
Access
map
Access
map with topography
LINZ topographic maps to refer to (260
Map Series, 1:50,000):
T20
Ruapehu (upper reaches and headwaters)
T21
Taihape
T22
Mangaweka
S23
Marton (lower reaches) |
| F&G pamphlet |
Manawatu/Rangitikei Sportfishing
Information access pamphlet >>> |
| Check conditions |
River flow,
level and rainfall
View graphs at the Horizons
Regional Council website.
Weather forecast
View the MetService
weather forecast for Palmerston North. |
| Description |
While there are trout throughout
the entire river system, the Rangitikei River is best known
for the superb fishing that it offers in the remote wilderness
section of its headwaters. The headwaters provide top-quality
fly fishing water for double figure fish (i.e. over 10 pounds
or 4.5 kg) in crystal clear water that seldom discolours even
after heavy rain. The middle section is generally more accessible
although in some areas the river flows through steep gorges,
making access very difficult. The lower section, though mostly
easily accessible, is of less interest to the angler as it is
slower moving and generally carries some colour (though it does
offer good spin fishing for a good population of trout that
reside there). |
| Upper reaches |
Description
When most people think of fishing the Rangitikei
River, they associate it with the fishing and a pristine headwaters
found in the remote Kaimanawa Forest Park. Despite being the
headwaters, the Rangitikei in the upper reaches is still a
reasonable sized river. The water is very clear and although
wadeable in places there are large sections of very deep water.
The riverbed is made up of rock and stone and great care should
be taken when crossing as the water volume is stronger than
it appears and the riverbed can be very slippery. Trout can
usually be sighted feeding along the length of any pool though
of course as the water is so clear the fish can also see the
angler and consequently are easily spooked.
The Rangitikei and its headwaters is regarded
as one of the premier fisheries in New Zealand. Although the
average size of the fish has diminished and the numbers of
double figures (i.e. over 10 pounds or 4.5 kg) has declined
in recent years, it is still a beautiful area to visit and
fish. It is however rugged and the weather can be atrocious
at times so care should be taken by any visitor into this
area.
Access
There are only two ways to get into the
upper reaches of the Rangitikei river and that is either a
two-day walk or by taking a helicopter.
See the Upper
Rangitikei River access map.
|
| Middle reaches |
Description
As several other streams and rivers join
the Rangitikei River, it is a much larger river in its middle
reaches. There can several stretches that are difficult to
fish because of gorges making access difficult. The river
here carries more colour and runs over a shingle, rock and
pebble bed. It is mostly a series of pools, long glides and
enticing riffles. Fish in this section average around 1.5
kilograms although fish up to 3 kg are relatively common.
See the mid Rangitikei River access
map.
|
| Lower reaches |
Downstream
from the township of Bulls, the river widens yet again and
becomes a large river. It holds good stocks of fish and is
mostly of interest to the spin fisherman.
See the Lower Rangitikei River access
map. |
| Methods |
The most popular and productive
method is using a nymph although there is plenty of opportunity
for the wet fly fisherman and those wishing to pursue trout
with a dry fly. There is also excellent spinner fishing opportunities
throughout the length of this river. |
| Recommended tackle |
In the
upper reaches where the water is very clear, a balance must
be sought between using light enough tackle so as not to spook
the fish but yet retaining enough power to land the large
fish in the strong current. It is recommended that a 9 foot
(or even shorter rod) with a weight five line is used.
In the middle and lower reaches, rods around 9 foot in weights
six to seven are favoured. Spinning gear with around 3 kg/6
pound nylon and capable of casting lures of between 7 g to 10
g. |
| Recommended lures |
Nymphs:
Dark weighted nymph patterns in sizes 12 to 16 such as Hare
and Copper, Pheasant
Tail, Prince
Nymphs and Halfbacks
all work well, particularly in the upper reaches.
Dry flies:
During the summer large size 10 to 12 flies fished over the
faster water can be very effective. Dry Royal
Wulff, cicada
patterns, Parachute
Adams, Humpy
and beetle and
cricket patterns.
Wet flies/ Streamers:
Small wet flies such as Invicta,
March Brown,
Greenwell's
Glory, Grouse
and Claret
and Mallard work well, particularly in the evening when
fish are taking emerger patterns just sub-surface. When fishing
deeper try Hamill's
Killer, Mrs
Simpson or Red
Setter.
Spinners: In
the lower reaches larger spinners such as Black
and Gold Toby or a rapala
pattern work well although in the upper reaches small bladed
spinners such as Veltic
or Mepps fished
upstream and retrieved near the river bed just faster than
the current work best. |
| Tributaries |
The Rangitikei has a large number
of tributaries along its length, many of which are important
fisheries in their own right. These include the Mangamarie River,
the Moawhango River, the Hautapu River, the Whakaurekou River,
the Maropea River, the Kawhatau River and the Mangawhariki River. |
| Regulations
(1) |
| Applicable to |
Rangitikei River and its tributaries
upstream of its confluence with the Ohinewaione Stream (about
9 river kilometres upstream of the Springvale Bridge) |
| Region |
Wellington
region regulations |
| Season |
1 Oct-30 Apr |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner |
| Bag limit |
1 trout |
| Size limit (cm) |
550mm maximum |
| Regulations
(2) |
| Applicable to |
Rangitikei River upstream from
the Matawhero Road Bridge (commonly called the Mangaohane Bridge)
up to its confluence with the Ohinewaione Stream (about 9 river
kilometres upstream from the Springvale Bridge) |
| Region |
Wellington
region regulations |
| Season |
1 Oct-30 Apr |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner |
| Bag limit |
4 trout |
| Size limit (cm) |
550mm maximum (including in
tributaries) |
| Regulations
(3) |
| Applicable to |
Rangitikei River downstream
from the Matawhero Road Bridge (commonly called the Mangaohane
Bridge) |
| Region |
Wellington
region regulations |
| Season |
All year |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner, bait |
| Bag limit |
No limit |
| Size limit (cm) |
None |
