Lower North Lowdown Weekly Fishing Report - 18 December 2025

Pre-Christmas Fishing Is All Go!  

We've got lovely conditions across the Wellington and Taranaki Fish & Game regions at time of writing this morning.

While most of the rivers received a small fresh from yesterday's southerly, they're mainly running clean and clear, just a little high in flow.  

Pictured - BJ Groves with a spritely rainbow from the Mangatainoka River which has been fishing very well so far this summer!   

The three-day rain radar is showing a very quick pulse of rain pushing across the lower North Island from Friday evening. 

At this stage we're picking that the rivers might briefly spike again but quickly return to fishable flows, at least later on Saturday... Just be sure to check the latest updates before making your fishing plans.   

The angling has been fantastic again this past week so make the most of it; and why not get out and grab a fish or two to add to the table fare for your the Christmas festivities?  

It’s been great to see increased angler activity across the two regions over December, particularly a strong turnout of young anglers getting out on the water. 

Compliance levels have been excellent, which is also encouraging to see.

Michael Bakker has been having great success Spey fishing in the middle reaches of the Rangitikei River.

This is our last ''Lower North Lowdown report for 2025 as staff take a well-deserved break. We'll be back to our normal reports from January 15. 

Meanwhile, rangers will be out over the holiday period checking compliance so please make sure you have your licence on you. 

The team at Wellington and Taranaki Fish & Game wish you a happy Christmas and New Year.      

Hope to see you on the water soon!

Grab Your Licence Now!

Jump online and get your licence the easy way now - it only takes a minute.

If you've already got yours, consider getting a friend or family member a licence for Xmas - it is the ultimate gift that really does keep on giving all the way through to September 30 next year!!!   

Click the image above to get started. 

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  dropping off a minor fresh from yesterday. It's is currently sitting at 8 cumecs which is well within fishable flow for all methods but streamers and softbaits will be particularly effective today. The Pakarutahi, Whakatikei and Akatarawa are just a little higher than normal but still clear enough for fly fishing. Check the flows on Saturday morning after rain overnight Friday - the smaller streams might be better until later in the weekend.  

 

Hutt River at Gibbons Street, Upper Hutt.  

Kapiti Coast

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

The Otaki, Waikanae and Ohau are all at moderate river flows this morning after a brief spell of showery rain yesterday. Showers and a short, sharp pulse of rain are forecast again tomorrow, so there's a chance that the rivers could come up a fraction again. Hopefully it will flush through quickly though and allow anglers to get out on the water for a pre-Christmas de-compress. 

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 stunning this morning - it is up in flow but clear all the way through the column and the extra water has triggered a good mayfly hatch with several large trout seen happily feeding off the surface. The Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau are all good to go today and tomorrow. The rain on Friday might see an increase in flows for the mainstem and western rivers - check before heading out. The eastern tribs may remain clear throughout the weekend.   
Check out the latest conditions for the lower Ruamahanga by calling this free-phone number - 083229069.             

The Ruamahanga River at 'The Cliffs' this morning (Photo: Hamish Carnachan).

Manawatu

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

The Manawatu River is clear all the way through the catchment, as are the Pohangina and Oroua, although yesterday's rain has seen a minor fresh move through. The Mangatainoka is falling quickly and will be back to fishing very well today. Most of the rain on Friday hits further south and seems to miss this part of the Wellington Fish & Game region. However, watch those rivers that feed from the Tararua Range as there will be some precipitation in the mountains. The eastern Manawatu could be the best bet this weekend.         

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

Rangitikei

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

Despite an increase in flow the Rangitikei River is dropping quickly and is currently clear at Mangaweka with just a hint of colour in the water. We've had reports that the recent summer flows have seen some great rainbows hitting a swung size 10 streamer fly. Michael Bakker's tip is not to swing big patterns and your catch rate will increase. He also suggests adding a bit of a strip in the retrieve near the end of the swing - "That's the key!" Meanwhile, the Whakareakau, Kawhatau and Hautapu are all falling off small freshes; with a bit of rain Friday it'll pay to check the latest flow data to help plan your mission.         

The Rangitikei River at Mangaweka this morning (Photo: Horizons).           
 

Taranaki Ringplain

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

Taranaki has enjoyed an excellent run of weather recently, with plenty of sunshine and low, clear river flows providing ideal fishing conditions. Yesterday’s spell of rain will be much appreciated by farmers, and while this may briefly colour up rivers and lift flows it will just be short term. Conditions are unlikely to stay unsettled for long though. Keep an eye on the three-day forecast, as a return to sunshine and warmer temperatures looks likely, which should see waterways fall back into fishable shape quickly. As always, keep an eye on the latest flow data to help find the best places to fish (such as this flow meter for the Patea at Stratford).

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

The Waiwhakaiho River at Audrey Gale Reserve yesterday (Photo: Jack Harland).

Waimarino

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

Conditions in Waimarino have been changeable over the past few days. Recent northerly winds have brought periods of rain and squally weather, pushing flows up and adding some colour to local rivers. While this may make fishing tougher at times, these freshes can also help freshen systems and trigger feeding once levels begin to drop. A shift to westerlies is forecast, which should bring more settled weather from Friday and into the weekend. As rivers start to clear, anglers may find improved opportunities, particularly during that falling-flow window. If larger rivers are running high or dirty, working your way around Ruapehu to seek out waterways in catchments that have captured less rainfall may be productive.

To keep an eye on regional river flows, check here.

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

Photo Competition - Win A $300 Hunting & Fishing Voucher

Memphis Graham and his buddies Archie and Mac nailed these five very healthy perch from the Manawatu.     

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 - Break Your Travel With A Spot Of Fishing

Summer holidays are almost here and no matter whether you’re staying at home or venturing further afield there are ample angling adventures waiting for you.

Heading away this summer? Remember that every bridge you cross is a fishing opportunity waiting to be discovered. 

If you're looking for somewhere to make a rest stop on a long road trip and cast a lure, or pitch up for a few nights before reaching your destination, we’ve got you covered.

Check out our ‘Park & Cast’ list of top fishing spots around the country.

If you're after more detailed info, don't forget there's no better resource to help you plan your fishing adventures than our online interactive access maps.

Click the map below to start planning your holiday angling. 

This mapping system provides hundreds of access locations throughout the country as well as other handy info such as fishing regulations at each site.

In some cases, there's also an explanation on how to find your way to the water, two or four-wheel-drive requirements, identified boat ramps, designated water classification, even images of what the area looks like so you can pin-point exactly where you’re supposed to be by visual reference.  

 

No other mapping system in New Zealand has the versatility and functionality that this offers our anglers.

Each region controls what information they have on their maps. At this stage of development regions have the basic access points and regulations, but there is scope to build much more into the platform.

For example, Wellington Fish & Game has an incredibly handy feature in that all access maps and information are downloadable, in a mobile-friendly format.

Anglers can either store them on their phone to use when they’re in areas with no cell coverage or, if they’re old-school, print them off as hard copies to stash in their fishing vest or glove box.

For regions such as Southland, which have beat systems on select fisheries, these are clearly marked, and Eastern region has defined the best trolling runs for boat anglers on the popular Rotorua lakes.

Explore and enjoy!

Video Of The Week - Sensational Summer! 

Here's a throw-back to some absolutely sensational summer angling in the lower North Island - sunny skies, mouse trout and cicada munchers!    

Click the screenshot above to check it out.

 

Important Reminder 

Unwanted pests can have a serious impact on our amazing freshwater fisheries.

Please do your bit to prevent their spread. Check, clean and dry all your equipment!

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

 

Gold Clam In Lake Rotomanu

As you are most likely already aware, Gold Clam (Corbicula fluminea) was recently discovered in Lake Rotomanu, and work is underway as part of the wider biosecurity response to contain its potential spread throughout Taranaki.

Staff were on site at Lake Rotomanu Monday morning with TRC, DOC and SLR Consultant staff but higher-than-expected lake levels meant a sports fish recovery operation could not proceed as planned.

From here there will be a period of further discussion and preparation, with additional work expected in the New Year once the lake is lower and conditions are more suitable. Our focus remains on protecting local waterways and doing our best to salvage trout for anglers while adhering to biosecurity requirements.

Anglers are reminded to Check, Clean, Dry all gear and boats when moving between waterways. This is critical to preventing the spread of Gold Clam beyond Lake Rotomanu. We’ll continue to share updates here as plans are confirmed.

 

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:

January 20/21, 2026
February 17/18, 2026
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.