Lower North Lowdown Weekly Fishing Report - 22 January 2026

Smaller Streams The Best Bet  

There's been a bit of a sting in the tail for us from the weather bomb that has caused havoc further up the North Island. 

While the worst will have passed by later today, there's another band of rain rolling in later Friday and into Saturday.  

Pictured - John Hardie Boys caught this lovely 5lb brown close to Wellington last week.      

The next front doesn't pack nearly as much punch - delivering periodic showers for most parts of the Wellington and Taranaki Fish & Game regions. 

However, it likely won't give the larger rivers much time to clear until there's a longer fine break. 

Lachie Blundell secured this rainbow for the family's dinner from Lake Mangamahoe.

That said, some of the streams with smaller catchments should have cleared and become fishable by the time Saturday rolls around. 

Often a good place to find fish when the mainstem rivers are in fresh is where clear water from smaller streams enters at the confluences.

Trout will congregate in these areas of the river to get out of the fast, sediment-laden flow, so these could also be good places to throw some streamers or spinners this weekend.     

Keep an eye on the weather and flows because the fishing has been running red-hot lately when conditions have been right - we've been receiving some stunning pics for our photo competition (details below)! 

Tight lines and we'll 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.

 

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 has reasonable flow for this time of year but is currently running clear and fishable. The rain radar is looking okay until late Friday night and early Saturday, at which point the southern Tararua Range is expected to get a reasonable fall. The smaller feeder streams like the the Pakarutahi, Whakatikei and Akatarawa will be holding good fish numbers at current flows so these waters might be the best option for weekend anglers.   

The Hutt River at Silverstream yesterday (Photo: Al Markham).  

Kapiti Coast

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

Periods of light drizzle and showers have persisted in recent days but the water quality and clarity remain very good. As such, the Otaki, Waikanae and Ohau are all fishable at time of writing, with no sign of rising water levels. Watch closely before heading out this weekend, though, as a rain band is inbound midnight Friday. Note that at time of writing there are some river management works being undertaken immediately above SH1 and downstream. This is initially restricted to works in the dry but best fishing opportunities will be in upstream above Crystals Lagoon through to the Otaki Gorge.

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 and western tributaries - the Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau - are running high and dirty after a period of easterlies and associated rain in the ranges. This weather system has also caused the eastern Ruamahanga tributaries to rise. With more rain forecast overnight Friday, Kourarau Dam will be the best bet for those looking to wet a line this weekend, though there's an outside chance some of the smaller streams in the region may have cleared by later Saturday or Sunday.   

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

The Ruamahanga River at Ponatahi Bridge this morning (Photo: Hamish Carnachan).

Manawatu

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

Unfortunately the Manawatu River is running dirty all the way through from the upper reaches after the easterly rain this week. While the Pohangina and Oroua are falling back to normal flow after a very minor fresh, overnight rain on Friday will see these colour up again quickly. Some of the eastern tributaries of the mainstem Manawatu may come right by later in the weekend, otherwise a good option could be Tutaenui Reservoir, near Marton, which received a consignment of trout early this season - the cooler temps and rainfall will have reinvigorated these fish.           

The Manawatu River at Teachers College this morning (Photo: Horizons).

Rangitikei

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

The Rangitikei River is flowing high and coloured up after receiving a lot of rain throughout its catchment over the last few days. Similarly, this has rendered the Whakaurekau, Kawhatau and Hautapu out of action for anglers for the better part of the weekend. There's an outside chance some of the smaller streams will have cleared flow by Sunday, otherwise pop up the hill and scout around the Waimarino region which hasn't had the same extent of rain and subsequently has fishable rivers.            

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

Taranaki Ringplain

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

Recent rain has scoured algae from the riverbeds without causing major damage. Along with a few showers we've seen elevated flows in several waterways, particularly southern Ringplain streams, but they are already dropping back towards January lows. Another benefit of the weather has been a significant drop in water temperatures, which the trout will certainly appreciate at this time of year. Strong north-westerlies may bring a few more showers tomorrow, before a shift to west–southwest winds over the weekend which will hopefully see more consistent and settled conditions, and some opportunities to get out on the water.

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.

There has been a noticeable spike across rivers in the Waimarino region. While not a major event, with flows returning to normal within a couple of days, this was ideal for freshening up the rivers. The Makotuku at Raetihi, and the Mangawhero at Pakihi Road Bridge, both show only minor recent rises that are already receding. Conditions should be well worth a look come the weekend, but you'll have to dodge the odd shower. You don’t need to travel far from Ohakune or Raetihi to have a great fishing experience. With low angling pressure and many rivers to choose from, those prepared to put in some local leg work and fish their feet first should be well rewarded.

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

James and Emily Kelsall with their biggest trout from Wairarapa this summer.       

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 - Fishing High Flow 

Video Of The Week - Central High Country At It's Best

Overseas anglers travel half-way around the world for this sort of fly fishing... We have it right on our doorstep (more or less)!

Click the screenshot above to watch some prime action from the Central North Island and Wellington Fish & Game region Central High Country.    

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.  

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:

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.