Wanganui River Trout Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
I34 Harihari

The lower reaches are tidal brackish water and provide the most interest to anglers as they hold the largest number of fish. In the whitebait season (Oct to Dec) this area can come alive as the fish (many sea-run) chase these small translucent fish as they enter the river. The lower tidal reaches are relatively easy to fish.

The middle reaches are mostly unstable runs of rough water flowing through braided channels that are prone to flooding. The upper reaches do hold resident fish but are challenging to fish.

Nymphs such as Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tails and Caddis imitations for the upper reaches in sizes 10 - 14 or smaller. Some weight is required to get the flies down through the faster water or to fish spotted in the deeper pools.

Dry flies: Not really a dry fly river but in the upper reaches try small flies such as Royal Wulff, Hardies Favourite, Dad's Favourite and March Brown.

Wet flies: In the lower tidal reaches use a slow sinking line and a fly such as a Grey Ghost, Parson's Glory, Dorothy or Jack Spratt for the good number of sea-run fish.

Spinners: In the lagoon area between Oct to Dec use silver pattern minnow type spinners such as a Toby or Cobra to imitate the shoals of whitebait that enter the river and are irresistable to the trout.