Waihou River
The Lower Waihou River is a popular fishery for Paeroa anglers but these waters are often overlooked by visiting anglers. Nearly all the fish caught are rainbows averaging about 1.5 kg. The best fishing occurs during the whitebait season (October/November) or around river mouths during summer.
Trolling in the Lower Waihou using light gear is effective. A good concrete boat ramp is located adjacent to the Waihou River Bridge on State Highway 2 (Paeroa – Auckland).
Komata River
From State Highway 26, the Komata looks a small insignificant stream not worth the effort of fishing. But further upstream the Komata offers good fly fishing water with stable pools and boulder runs. Although the trout are generally small (0.5 kg), they are plentiful. Later in the season, usually May/June, a run of large spawning rainbows enters the Komata from the lower Waihou. Access can be gained from Komata Reefs Road which runs alongside the river.
Hikutaia River
A small attractive river flowing over a boulder/cobble bed that holds rainbow trout averaging 0.5-1 kg, with the occasional much larger fish during the May/June spawning runs. There is at least 10 km of good water with access from Maratoto Road, Old Maratoto Road, and State Highway 26. Upstream from the Whangamata Track, the Hikutaia is restricted to fly fishing only and is open to angling from 1 October to 30 June.
Puriri River
Small stream that offers some attractive water in the vicinity of State Highway 26. Trout stocks are limited.
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