Little Wanganui River

The Little Wanganui River drains the Scarlett and Allen Ranges and flows west to enter the Tasman Sea just north of Westport. The river flows through beautiful virgin bush and the water is generally clear enough to be able to spot fish.

It takes about 50 minutes to reach the Little Wanganui from Westport and around 15 minutes from Karamea.

Access map

Access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
L28 Mokihinui for the tidal section
L27 Karamea for the middle and upper reaches

The lower reaches are easy to fish but the upper reaches require considerable walking and wading.

Access to the river is via State Highway 67. A small side road leads off from the highway and follows the river to the beginning of the Wangapeka Track for most of its length.

Nymphs: Small nymphs such as Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail and Caddis imitations all work well in sizes 14 or smaller.

Dry flies: Small flies such as Royal Wulff, Hardies Favourite, Dad's Favourite and March Brown all work well at all times of the day. Fish bushier flies such as Coch-y-bondhu and Humpy over the faster water.

Wet flies: Small wets like Greenwell's Glory, March Brown and sedge emerger patterns patterns work well when fished sub-surface. These flies are particularly effective when fishing the evening rise. Large flies such as Parson's Glory and Grey Ghost are good when fishing the lower reaches when the whitebait are running.

Spinners: Small bladed spinners (Mepps or Veltic) fished upstream into the faster water or through the deep pools. Also try spinners such as Cobra and Tobys in the lower reaches when the whitebait enter the river.

Trout: All year

Salmon: 1 Oct-30 Apr