Jacobs River (Makawhio River) Trout Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

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

The lower and middle reaches of the Jacob's River are generally slow moving between well vegetated banks. The river is wadeable in places and in fact the close vegetation does require the angler to fish from within the river where possible. Many areas are too deep however and so spinning from the bank is often the only viable method in this section.

Anglers who are prepared to walk into the headwaters for a few kilometers however are rewarded with excellent fly water.

State Highway 6 crosses the Jacob's River and there is a small side road  on the true left bank that takes the angler upstream for a few kilometers. The upper reaches can only be got to by walking. See the Jacobs River sccess map.

Nymphs: Small nymphs such as Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tails, Hare's Ear, Gold Bead Hare and Copper,all work well in sizes 14 or smaller.

Dry flies: Well hackled flies such as a Humpy, Blue Dun, Coch-y-Bondhu or Royal Wulff all work well at all times of the day when fished over the faster water. Green Beetles are effective in early summer and Cicada patterns from late summer are also very effective.

Wet flies: Small wets like Greenwell's Glory, March Brown and emerger Sedge patterns work well when fished sub-surface. These flies are particularly effective when fishing the evening rise. Large flies such as  a Parsons' Glory or Grey Ghost are excellent when the trout are chasing the whitebait in the lower reaches and estuary. Use large dark patterns such as a Hairy Dog or Scotch Poacher during the night.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners (Mepps or Veltic) fished upstream into the faster water or through the deep pools. Spinners such as Silver or Gold Toby's also work well in the lower reaches when the whitebait are running.

Trout: All year

Salmon: 1 Oct-30 Apr