Lower North Lowdown Weekly Fishing Report - 12 March 2026

Autumn Angling In Full Swing 

Cool nights, shorter days, fat aggressive trout - autumn angling is well and truly here. 

As we detail in our 'Tip Of The Week' below, this is a really exciting time to be on the water and there's a good forecast for the weekend to allow plenty of opportunities.      

Pictured - Tegan Johnson has been having an amazing season on the Manawatu River - here she is with one of several good rainbows caught last week.          

Trout behaviour and feeding patterns will start to shift now, though, so be prepared to change tactics if what worked over summer doesn't quite fire.

We've outlined some tips below to help you concentrate on the right areas to target at this time of year as the fish start to switch to spawning mode.

Rob Zohrab found splendid solitude on the Manganui-o-te-ao last week

In short, look at confluence zones where spawning streams meet mainstem waterways, as well as higher up in catchments and backcountry headwaters. 

Sometimes we get a little rain at this time of year but consider that this can play in your favour because elevated flows can get trout moving into smaller water.

There's plenty of angling to look forward to as we head into the twilight of the 2025-26 season. Get out and enjoy it.              

 

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We're On Facebook

Wellington and Taranaki Fish & Game are on Facebook!

To keep up to date with all the news and events from the two regions, be sure to check out our page and follow us.  

Here's the outlook this weekend...    

Hutt Valley

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Hutt Valley.

The Hutt River is falling back nicely after a small fresh went through earlier in the week. At time of writing it is clear enough all the way through to fly fish, just holding a hint of colour which will drop out by the time the weekend rolls around. The Pakarutahi, Whakatikei and Akatarawa are all clean and clear; these spawning tribs will be well worth a look now that we're into autumn. 

The Whakatikei River at Riverstone Drive yesterday afternoon (Photo: Matt Kavermann) 

Kapiti Coast

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Kapiti Coast. 

The Otaki, Waikanae and Ohau are all at good flows, running clean and clear. With a fine weather forecast for the weekend there are going to be great opportunities along the entire lengths of the rivers. Anglers should make the most of the remaining weeks of the open season and get into the headwaters before they close on April 30 - fish will be starting to make their runs into these spawning areas soon.  

The Otaki River at SH1 this morning (Photo: Phil Teal)

 

Wairarapa

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Wairarapa region.

The Ruamahanga River is looking great this morning though there is a moderate nor-easter blowing down the valley. The Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau are all at great fishable flows for fly anglers and with only some passing showers over the next 48 hours they'll be fine over the weekend. Sunday looks to be stunner with clear blue skies and light winds.      

Check out the latest conditions for the lower Ruamahanga by calling this free-phone number - 083229069.             

The Waiohine River at SH2 this morning (Photo: Hamish Carnachan).

Manawatu

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Manawatu region.

The Manawatu River is low and clear all the way through the catchment at time of writing this morning. We've got a forecast for occasional rain on Friday and Saturday so it'd pay to check the latest flows before heading out. This weather could well make the Pohangina run dirty again so look to fish upstream of the confluence on the Manawatu. The Mangatainoka and Mangahao should be okay, as the rain doesn't seem to be affecting the Tarauras - just check the flow before you go.                         

The Manawatu River at Weber Road this morning (Photo: Horizons).

Rangitikei

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Rangitikei region.

The Rangitikei River is looking lovely and clear at Mangaweka, which suggests the Whakaurekau and Kawhatau are also running low and clean. The latter two rivers will be worth a look this weekend as they've likely seen little pressure over recent weeks with frequent freshes. The Hautapu is also going to be a hotspot this weekend as it's the lowest it has been in weeks. With a lovely weather forecast there's plenty on offer for anglers in the Central High Country.  

                   

The Rangitikei River at Mangaweka (Photo: Paul Eames, Awastone) 

Taranaki Ringplain

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Taranaki Ringplain region.

An early autumn feel has settled across this part of the region over the past week, with cooler mornings becoming more noticeable and streams and rivers currently running clean and very low. Weather-wise, intermittent showers are expected to move down from the north during the week, before conditions settle again heading into the weekend. The forecast suggests improving weather for Saturday and Sunday, which could help drop river temperatures slightly and stimulate feeding activity, without a heavy rainfall event that would otherwise push rivers into flood.

Check out the up-to-date data on rainfall and river flows. 

The Patea River at Swansea Road Bridge this morning (Photo: Jack Harland)

Waimarino

Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Waimarino region.

Rain is expected through Friday with on-and-off showers, before conditions clear into settled, sunny weather for Saturday and Sunday with light and variable winds. Rivers across the area are low and clean, with both the Mangawhero and Manganui-o-te-ao looking in particularly good condition for anglers planning a trip over the weekend.

To keep an eye on regional flows, you can check these out here.

The Mangawhero River at SH4 this morning (Photo: Horizons).

Photo Competition - Win A $300 Hunting & Fishing Voucher

Proud grandad Maurice Mildenhall sent in this pic of his 12-year-old grandson, Thomas Sherrit, with his first rainbow trout caught on a fly using his new rod in the Waimarino area.

Send in your favourite fishing photos from this season and you could be in to win a $300 voucher to spend in store at Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing.

We won't blow your secret spot, just include the name of the angler(s), photographer's details, and general location in the Wellington-Taranaki Fish & Game region.

• Click here to submit your entry.

You can send us as many fishing photos as you like. By submitting images to enter the competition you acknowledge that Wellington Fish & Game can publish and use the photos for publicity material.

Entries must be in by 5pm Sunday, March 29, 2026. The winner will be announced in the Lower North Lowdown report on Thursday, April 2, 2026. 

Tip Of The Week - Adapt To Autumn

Video Of The Week

Click the screenshot above to watch some Central North Island small stream action.    

  

Women On The Fly Events In Wellington

Summer Sunday Fly Fishing Sessions for 2026 - open to all female anglers.

Save the dates for the next sessions:
* Sunday April 12 - Onstream Day, Ōtaki River: Presentation, setting up a drift, mending, line management.
* Sunday May 10 - More Advanced Casting : Achieving distance, double haul casting.

Join the 'Women on the Fly NZ' private Facebook group for more information and to register for each event. Or contact Cheryl 021 040 2211 or Gordon 027 494 6487. 

 

Important Reminder 

A quick reminder for anglers to Check, Clean, and Dry your gear, especially if you are fishing in multiple locations over the weekend.

Taking a few extra minutes to clean and dry waders, boots and nets helps prevent the spread of invasive pests and aquatic diseases between waterways.

For a refresher on how to properly clean your gear, click here.  

Noticeboard

• Check out Greater Wellington Regional Council's latest schedule of flood protection operations here.
• Access to Otaki Forks in Tararua Forest Park is now open.  
• Moawhango Flushing Flows - Confirmed dates are as follows:

March 17/18, 2026

• Access to Lake Namunamu, near Hunterville, is closed as the access road is upgraded in preparation for the logging of Ngaruru Forest over the next three to five years.

If you have any angling-related information you'd like posted to this noticeboard, including upcoming angling club meetings and outings, please get in touch with us.  

*This report was accurate at time of writing. For your safety, please ensure you check the latest weather and river flow information before you head out on the water.