Ruamahanga River

Upper Ruamahanga maps:

Access map

Access map with topography

Lower Ruamahanga maps:

Access map

Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps to refer to (260 Map Series, 1:50,000):
S25 Levin (upper reaches)

T25 Eketahuna

T26 Masterton

S26 Carterton

S27 Lake Wairarapa (lower reaches)

From the headwaters to the Waingawa River confluence

Description

The headwaters of the Ruamahanga flow through the Tararua Conservation Park and offer top-quality wilderness fishing. While fish numbers are not great this is compensated by the size of the fish and the quality of the surroundings. The section is best fished during the warmer months as the trout tend to feed actively during this time.

From the Mount Bruce bridge on State Highway 2 to the Mel Parkinson Reserve, the fishing is not as good as the unstable riverbed provides poor trout habitat. As the river approaches Masterton it improves, with fish numbers dramatically increasing in both numbers and size.

Access

Access to the very upper reaches involves walking the track that starts at the bridge on State Highway 2 at Mount Bruce. There is also access to the river at the Mel Parkinson Reserve about 7 km north of Masterton. There is excellent access to the river around the township of Masterton itself.

See access points 1-5 on the Upper Ruamahanga access map.

Below the Waingawa River confluence to Martinborough.

Description

The middle reaches hold large stocks of fish and is the most popular section of the river to fish. Although the river is much larger here it remains wadeable in many places. This section of the river is a series of pools, riffles and long runs that flow over a gravel bed. As the river increases in size, some large backwaters are formed which usually hold a number of cruising trout that will tempt (and frustrate) anglers. During the summer there are prolific hatches of mayfly and trout rising readily to take them, especially during the warmer evenings.

Access

Access is easy as the river meanders over relatively open land. See access points 6-12 on the Upper Ruamahanga access map and the Lower Ruamahanga access map.

From Martinborough to the mouth.

Description

The lower reaches of the Ruamahanga River provide very different fishing conditions. The first section of the river flows slowly over open land and is best fished using a spinner. As it gets closer to the sea however it widens and is best fished from a boat. There can be excellent fishing along this section as it enters Lake Onoke for the large trout and perch that can be found here. Bait fishing is also very popular and successful in this section.

Access

See access points 13-15 on the Lower Ruamahanga access map.

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 to be found in the section. It is recommended that a 9 foot (or even shorter rod) with a weight 5line is used.

Nymphs: Weighted nymph patterns in sizes 12 to 14 such as Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail, Prince Nymphs, Willow Grub and Halfbacks all work well. Use a smaller size (16) during the height of summer in the upper reaches.

Dry flies: During the summer, size 12 to 16 flies fished over the faster water can be very effective during the evening. Royal Wulff, Blue Dun, Parachute Adams, Humpy and beetle patterns in early summer and cicada, hopper and cricket patterns in late summer and early autumn.

Wet flies / Streamers: Small wee-wet flies such as Invicta, March Brown, Greenwell's Glory, Dad's Favourite 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, particularly in the middle and lower reaches.

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 works best.