Lower North Lowdown Weekly Fishing Report - 29 January 2026
- Wellington Taranaki
- 29/01/2026
Angling All Go This Weekend!
Summer has returned with sunny skies, warm temperatures and a smorgasbord of terrestrial insects on the menu for trout across both the Wellington and Taranaki Fish & Game regions.
It's been a tough couple of weeks for anglers but put that behind you and make up for it this weekend with ideal conditions to get out on the water.
Pictured - Andrew Davies with a lovely Taranaki Ringplain brown (Photo: Nik Hannam)
Trout are responding really well to terrestrial dries at the moment with one of the best cicada seasons we've had in several years.
Add to the mix hoppers and green beetles, along with the recent emergence of passion vine hoppers and there's plenty of surface feeding activity about so be sure to have plenty of dry fly options in you box.
This is the most exciting time of the season to be on the water so make the most of these excellent condition ahead - clear skies, warm temperatures and river flows returning to normal.
Jackson Funnell caught this great brownie and several solid rainbows on the Ruamahanga River recently.
Tight lines and we'll see you on the water soon!
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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 falling back quickly after a spate of rain events over the past week. It is running at 15 cumecs - which is high for summer - but although carrying a little colour the river is fishable today and will continue to improve with the fine weather ahead. Expect the mainstem to be in perfect shape and firing by Saturday. Look to cast cicada imitations tight into overhanging willows and other vegetation. The Pakarutahi, Whakatikei and Akatarawa are also at good flows for this time of year and the recent rain will have lowered water temperatures, so anglers will also find trout happily feeding in these tribs.
The Hutt River at Totara Park Bridge this morning (Photo: Al Markham)
Kapiti Coast
Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Kapiti Coast.
The Otaki, Waikanae and Ohau are running at moderately high flows, with some turbidity giving the water a slight 'milky' tinge. At time of writing this morning there is, however, still very much a clear fishable edge. Flows are falling quickly and clarity will continue to improve over the next 24 hours with perfect condition for Saturday and Sunday. The Waikanae and Ohau, being slightly smaller, will clear faster and could be firing by later this afternoon.
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 carrying lots of water this morning but still has a lovely clear edge with a tinge of colour mid-stream. The Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau are also carrying a touch of colour, but anglers could fish right through to the headwaters. The eastern rivers in the catchment are still running high, however, and may take another 24 hours before water clarity improves enough for fly fishing; spin anglers could chance their arm but there are other options on the main water bodies for those looking to wet a line today.
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.
There is still some water to push through most of the rivers in the Manawatu catchment but the outlook for the weekend is looking great. The Manawatu River is still quite dirty at Weber Road, however, upstream of the gorge the mainstem should be good to go come Saturday and anglers will enjoy the sensational run of angling the river has been producing this season. The Pohangina and Oroua are carrying a hint of colour but, again, they're falling back fast and should provide opportunities over the weekend with nice summery weather forecast.
The Manawatu River at Weber Road this morning (Photo: Horizons).
Rangitikei
Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Rangitikei region.
We can see from the webcam image below that the Rangitikei River is running slightly 'milky' but anglers could still pick up fish along the clear edge. It's probably more suited to spin angling and streamer fishing today - given another 24 to 36 hours to drop some of the flow and it should be fishing great by Saturday and over the weekend with fine weather on the cards. The Whakaurekau, Kawhatau and Hautapu are all worth a look Saturday and Sunday too as they've been unfishable for a few weeks now and the trout will be well rested and hungry.
The Rangitikei River at Mangaweka this morning (Photo: Horizons).
Taranaki Ringplain
Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Taranaki Ringplain region.
A wet start to the week has finally given way to sunshine and steadily dropping flows across the region, setting things up nicely heading into the weekend. Water temperatures have been right in the sweet spot - looking at the Manganui River at Everett Park, recent daytime highs of 17.9°C and overnight lows of 13.4°C will be keeping the fish active throughout most of the day. While some waterways may still carry a slight tea stain or discolouration from recent rain, visibility seems to be improving quickly.
Check out the up-to-date data on rainfall and river flows.
The Waiwhakaiho River at SH3 bridge yesterday (Photo: Jack Harland).
Waimarino
Click here for live updates and forecasts for the Waimarino region.
Conditions in the Waimarino are looking excellent for anglers as we head into the weekend. The forecast is settled, with warm daytime air temperatures to keep the cicadas humming. Over the past week the Mangawhero at Pakihi Road recorded a maximum water temperature of 16.2°C and an overnight low of 11.5°C, which is near-perfect for consistent trout feeding. With a hot, settled spell ahead, and river levels dropping and clearing, this is a prime window to be on the water. Some other good options to consider include the Manganui-o-te-Ao, or for stillwater anglers, Sattlers Dam offers a reliable alternative which contains some solid fish.
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
Nathan Hutson landed a beauty brown in the lower reaches of the Manawatu River last week.
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 - Terrestrial Time!
Fish feeding on passion vine hoppers in summer offer sensational sport (Photo: Hamish Carnachan)
Summer across the lower North Island is prime time for targeting trout with terrestrial imitations.
As bankside vegetation dries out and insect life peaks, rivers come alive with cicadas, hoppers, beetles, and even passion vine hoppers tumbling onto the water.
Matching this natural buffet can turn an ordinary day into something special.
Cicada patterns are a must‑have right now. Their loud presence in scrubby riverbeds and forested margins mean plenty will be hitting the water, particularly with the gusty conditions we've had in the Wellington and Taranaki Fish & Game regions of late.
For trout these are a big, protein‑packed meal. Keep your presentations splashy as cicadas rarely land softly. Foam-bodied patterns float well and are easy to track in broken water.
Grasshoppers and beetles are perfect for lowland streams and windy afternoons. Aim your casts tight to grassy edges, where these insects naturally fall in, as well as drifted down foam lines. Short drifts with frequent recasts often outperform long ones.
Passion vine hoppers, although small, can be deadly on pressured or clear-water fish. Use slim, light-coloured imitations and pair them with fine tippet for a subtle presentation.
These flies aren't always easy to find in tackle stores but they're one of the simplest imitations to tie yourself, just be sure to match the size exactly as fish can be picky.
Trout are opportunistic at this time of year, making the most of abundant food to put on condition - give them a believable meal, and they’ll eat it.
Video Of The Week - Tiny Stream, Epic Action
Click the screenshot above to watch some cool footage of an epic tussle between angler and a solid rainbow in a tiny Ruahine Range stream.
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.
Disclaimer:
The information presented in these news items is based on the context and regulations in place at the time of publication. Please note that some articles may include reference to laws and regulatory standards that have since changed. For the most current and accurate information please check our Fishing Licences & Regulations pages or our Hunting Licences & Regulations pages.