Reel Life December 2025 - Northland

River and stream conditions

Mangakahia River: 

The upper reaches of this river system hold a reasonable number of trout. Late spring and early summer is the best time to fish this river due to the good water levels and cooler water temperatures. The trout tend to be in the deeper pools as there is limited shade along the banks. All methods work well.

Access points include:

• Twin Bridges – Mangakahia Road
• Opouteke Road
• Waimatenui Road

Wairua River: 

With Northland heating up and the rivers flowing at close to base flows trout seek out deeper pools and overhanging vegetation. The spring fed sections of the rivers provide refuge from the heat. In the lower part of the catchment large expanses of oxygen weed provide a haven for cruising trout. If fly fishing, wet fly imitations like the red setter can be productive. Cast in between the weed beds or bank overhangs and slowly retrieve. Blade lures like black and gold Mepps work well being retrieved upstream.

Access points include:

• Jordon Valley Road bridge.
• Wairua Falls Road
• Malone Road
• Matarau Road

Figure 1: Wairua River flows.  A relatively stable late October early November period was abruptly ended with with three river flushes. However water levels are returning to base flows as the North Easterlies and the humidity arrive.

Regulation Changes

No changes to the regulations this season. All our waters are open year-round to all permitted methods.

All river and streams, methods - FSB, Limit - 2 fish

Stocked reservoirs, methods - FSB, Limit - 3 fish

We need your help!!

If you catch a trout in Northland can you please weigh and measure the fish. Then email that information along with the location and fin clips (if any) to northland@fishandgame.org.nz This will give us useful information on the health of the fishery. Don’t worry we will keep your prized spot secret. Any fish catch data submitted will go into the draw for a whole season licence for the 2026-2027 season.

Take the Family Fishing

The new season commenced on Saturday 1st October 2025. The family licence is by far the best value for money licence on offer. A family licence can be made up of two parents or grandparents and up to four of their children or grandchildren under the age of 18. This licence can also be used anywhere in NZ, except the Lake Taupo fishery.

For more information about the new seasons licences check out our website: www.fishandgame.org.nz