Lower North Lowdown Weekly Fishing Report - 26 February 2026

Rivers Are Reset, Fish Are Hungry

We have a mainly fine and sunny weather forecast for this weekend, with just occasional showers for some parts of the lower North Island. 

The rivers and fish have reset perfectly after the weather system that hit us early last week, with trout eager to get back on the feed.    

Pictured - Fish & Game officer Hamish Carnachan with a healthy rainbow caught on cicada imitation from a Manawatu River tributary.         

The seemingly endless cicada hatch continues, offering yet more sensational dry fly action! And with good flows in all rivers, and a hint of colour in some, there are great spin fishing and soft bait opportunities too.

With daylight hours waning, and cooler overnight temperatures, expect the angling to heat up further as trout move into pre-spawning mode and ramp up their feeding to put on condition for winter.

It's been a funny old season weather wise, but no one is complaining about the quality of the fishing - make the most of every window to get out on the water.         

Tight lines and we'll see you out there!

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Here's the outlook this weekend...    

Hutt Valley

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

The Hutt River is carrying good summer flow but is lovely and clear and super fishable this morning. There are some showers forecast throughout the day, followed by a brief period of light rain for tonight which may result in a slight spike in river level but it should return to good angling conditions by Saturday. The Pakarutahi, Whakatikei and Akatarawa are all clean and clear; some minor elevation in flow will be good for the fishing.  

Kapiti Coast

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

All Kapiti rivers and streams have returned to fishable after a reasonably big flood event on February 20. The Otaki, Waikanae and Ohau are holding excellent flows and good cool temperatures for late summer. They are clear with good prospects for sight fishing all the way through their lengths. Plenty of cicadas still around so make the most of the dry-fly fishing on offer at the moment, particularly with a fine and sunny weekend on the cards.  

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 has really good flow for this late in February, with frequent freshes really knocking back algae growth. It is clear and fishable the entire way through the system at time of writing and with only a smattering of showers forecast between now and Sunday conditions should be great this weekend. The Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau are all looking perfect - expect to see fish starting to move into these tributaries as day length shortens and evening temperatures fall as we head into autumn.     

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.

The Manawatu River is back to fishable flow after the large flood that went through early last week. There has been quite some bank erosion in the catchment which is subsequently leaching into the water still, so clarity isn't as good as should be expected in some waterways at these flows. That said, fish can still be sighted on the edges and when they're higher in the water column. The Pohangina has unfortunately been hammered again by the last storm, and will take some time to come back. The Mangatainoka and Mangahao should be fishing well this weekend though.                        

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 remains slightly elevated after the February 17 storm, and reports from Mangaweka are that it is still carrying colour which is likely spilling out of slips from the Whakaurekau and Kawhatau. Upstream, however, conditions for fly fishing and spotting trout are greatly improved. The Hautapu is also falling but carrying a hint of residual colour - could be worth a scout this weekend depending on the showers forecast for tomorrow.                      

 

Taranaki Ringplain

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

Weather conditions across Taranaki are looking settled and favourable heading into the weekend. River flows remain stable and clear for good angling opportunities across the region. The region's lakes are also fishing very well, with some exciting angling to cruising trout. See our lakes report below.  

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

The Manganui River at Tarata Road Bridge yesterday afternoon (Photo: Jack Harland)

Waimarino

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

Weather in the Waimarino area is looking generally settled, although occasional showers are forecast to move through from the south from Friday onwards. At this stage these systems are not expected to significantly affect river flows and rivers should remain fishable. Anglers can keep an eye on flow levels and weather updates here before heading out. Stable conditions between shower events should provide worthwhile fishing opportunities across the region.

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

Photo Competition - Win A $300 Hunting & Fishing Voucher

Mercy Noakes (12) with a cracking Hutt River brownie, doing a great job keeping the fish in the water. 

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. 

Taranaki Lakes Are Firing

A nicely conditioned Lake Mangamahoe Brownie. Credit Nik Hannam

Our regional lakes have been in great, fishable condition recently.

Lake Mangamahoe is fishing well, with clear water allowing anglers to sight-fish for cruising trout during calm periods, especially early morning or evening.

Lake Ratapiko is another great stillwater option, with good numbers of both trout and perch.

With lake levels currently high, now is a great time to head down for an evening session.

Anglers can monitor conditions via the lake webcam here before heading out.

Video Of The Week

Click the screenshot above to watch some Central High Country 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 three sessions:
* Sunday, March 8 - Introduction to Fly Fishing Gear: Rods, reels, lines, leaders, flies, rigs, and knots.
* 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.