Lower North Lowdown Weekly Fishing Report - 27 March 2025

Autumn Angling Running Hot!   

The mercury is dropping but the fishing continues to run red hot in the lower North Island.

The condition of the fish we're seeing is the best in years - the trout have clearly had plenty of food, and anglers have subsequently enjoyed a simply spectacular season.           

Pictured - Todd McVey caught this stunning 7lb brown in the Hutt River.

Fish are in prime condition now as they head into the spawning period and some thumpers have been caught in recent weeks. 

The angling really lights up now as trout get aggressive and territorial, but it may mean being a little more strategic in terms of where you target them. 

Now is the time to start looking at those small tributaries where the fish seek stable water to spawn in. 

Confluences are also great places to concentrate on during Autumn with trout schooling up before their migratory runs into the headwaters.               

Despite the cooler temperatures, there's been plenty of dry fly action - the fish are still taking willow grubs and passion vine hoppers, and mayflies are coming off the water periodically too. 

If they're not interested in dries, though, have some streamers handy as these will often induce aggressive takes. 

The main season has just over four weeks to run until we move into winter restriction come April 30, but there's still so much awesome action to be had.

With yet another stunning forecast for both the Wellington and Taranaki Fish & Game regions this weekend, be sure to get out and enjoy it. 

Don't forget there's only one week to go before the draw for our photo comp closes - see details below for how you can be in to win a $300 voucher from Wairarapa Hunting & Fishing.  

Jump online if you haven't got a licence yet. 

Here's the outlook this weekend...    

 

Hutt Valley

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

The Hutt River is clean and clear and looking very fishy. Three good browns were spotted actively feeding off the surface when the image below was taken yesterday. Trout will be starting to move towards their spawning grounds now so it would well be worth looking up the Pakarutahi, Whakatikei and Akatarawa rivers from now until the end of April.         

The Hutt River at Totara Park yesterday afternoon (Photo: Hamish Carnachan)

 

Kapiti Coast

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

The Otaki, Waikanae and Ohau are holding moderate to low flows with lovely clear water conducive to for sight fishing. Recent rain last week has freshened up the river bed. There's a very small pulse of rain coming through tomorrow but this shouldn't affect the angling - in fact it could help with nymphs being dislodged and trout actively drift feeding on invertebrates .

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

 

Wairarapa

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

The Ruamahanga River and main tributaries - the Waiohine, Waingawa and Tauherenikau - are holding nice autumn flow after the summer low period. They are all running clear and fish can be spotted at time of writing. Showers tomorrow shouldn't affect plans for weekend fishing - there'll be plenty of opportunities on Saturday and Sunday including the smaller spawning streams, particularly through to the end of April when they close.    

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 low and clear at time of writing this morning. The pulse of rain that went through the catchment on Tuesday resulted in a small fresh which saw the Pohangina and Oroua elevate slightly but these are now back at normal flows. This extra water will hopefully see some trout moving up to spawn. The Mangatainoka remains low but has fished well around the brewery campground; run fish are likely starting to push in from the mainstem.             

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

Rangitikei

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

The Rangitikei copped a little bit of rain on Tuesday which resulted in the river coming up slightly but the webcam image at Mangaweka shows it is now back at fishable flow. The Hautapu River received localised rain last night but it is falling fast and should be fishable come Saturday, if not later tomorrow. Being at higher altitude and cooler, the smaller streams in this part of the region have likely already seen a pulse of fish moving in for spawning so there are good opportunities to target these this weekend.         

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

Taranaki Ringplain

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

The effects of last week’s rainfall have been short-lived, with river levels throughout the region quickly dropping back down to their low flow levels. This time of year can be an excellent window for targeting trout, with settled weather, lighter winds, and lower water temperatures favouring actively feeding fish. Although the cicadas are starting to become less vocal, casting terrestrials is still worthwhile as trout will still be associating these with a nutrient-dense feed, especially to a hungry brown that will be packing on condition as the momentum starts to build towards spawning.

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

Waiwhakaiho River at the Meeting of the Waters Reserve this morning (Photo: Jack Harland).

Waimarino

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

Sun and cloud are on the forecast for the Waimarino, with variable but light winds. As we head into April this marks a great opportunity to target fish with the potential for some beautiful and calm mornings or evenings on the river. The Mangawhero and Manganuioteao are still fishing well and are worth a visit, just be mindful of your shadow when positioning for a fish as the sun starts to hold lower in the sky.

Click here to keep track of water temperatures and flow data within the Waimarino.

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

 

Photo Competition - Win A $300 Hunting & Fishing Voucher

A very happy Harrison with his first river trout on the Manganuioteao late January. 

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 Tuesday, April 2, 2025. The winner will be announced in the Lower North Lowdown report on Thursday, April 4, 2025.

Check, Clean Dry - Help Protect Waterways

Now is the perfect time to familiarise yourselves with the NEW North Island Check Clean Dry procedures. Click here to watch. 

 

Noticeboard

• Wellington Region River Works: Don't let bulldozers in the river ruin your fishing plans. Click here to download a schedule of Greater Wellington Regional Council's latest planned river engineering works.
• Manawatu Flood and Drainage Works: Anglers can access Horizons Regional Council's latest schedule of flood and drainage river works here.   
• 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.