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Hawke's Bay> Fishing Regulations
Angling regulations are updated annually. Each region has specific regulations for individual rivers and lakes within the framework of national angling regulations.
The Hawke’s Bay offers a huge range of angling opportunities, with some of the best and easiest access in the country. The region’s rivers provide some spectacular headwater fishing as well as year round lowland angling. Lake Tutira is the major lake fishery in the region and is stocked with Tarawera sourced fish annually. These fish grow quickly during the summer and provide excellent sport to both shore based and rowboat trolling anglers. The major river systems in the region are the Mohaka, Tutaekuri, Ngaruroro, Waipawa and Tukituki, all of which have comprehensive angler access pamphlets to assist anglers (see below). Both brown and rainbow trout are prevalent throughout the region. The dry fly fishing on the Tukituki, along with its many tributaries is a major attraction during the heat of the summer months as fish feed on the surface. The Ngaruroro and Mohaka River headwater wilderness fisheries are nationally rated and offer anglers the chance to catch trophy sized fish in gin clear waters. The middle and lower reaches of the region’s rivers are easily accessible from a variety of public roads and provide anglers with vast amounts of fishable water.
ANGLER ACCESS PAMPHLET LIST
Comprehensive angler access pamphlets are available from licence agents, information centres, Fish and Game offices and the web for the following waters.
- Tukituki/Waipawa Rivers and tributaries
- Ngaruroro River Fishery
- Mohaka River Fishery
- Tutaekuri River Fishery
When fishing in the Hawke's Bay region, please ensure you are aware of and adhere to local regulations at all times.
2008/2009 regulations for Hawke's Bay
Reference to description: New ZealandGazette, No. 83, 24 May 1990, page 1861
1. INTERPRETATION
See First Schedule
2. Open Season, PERMITTED METHODS, BAG LIMITS
Lakes / Rivers |
Open Season |
Permitted Methods |
Bag Limit |
|
All other waters not listed below |
1 Oct – 30 June |
Artificial fly/spinner |
2 |
|
Aropaoanui River downstream of the landmark opposite Wareham Road |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
2 |
|
Esk River upstream of Waipunga Road Bridge and all tributaries |
1 Oct – 30 Jun |
Artificial fly/spinner |
1 |
|
Esk River downstream of Waipunga Road Bridge |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
1 |
|
Karamu Stream, excluding tributaries |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner/bait |
2 |
|
Mohaka River below the confluence of the Mangatainoka River to State Highway 5, excluding tributaries |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
2 |
|
Mohaka River below the State Highway 5 Bridge |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
4 |
|
Mohaka River tributaries |
1 Oct – 30 Jun |
Artificial fly/spinner |
1 |
|
Ngaruroro River and tributaries above the Kiwi Creek confluence |
1 Oct – 30 Jun |
Artificial fly/spinner |
1 |
|
Ngaruroro River from Kiwi Creek to Whanawhana cable, excluding tributaries |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
1 |
|
Ngaruroro River tributaries above Whanawhana cable |
1 Oct – 30 Jun |
Artificial fly/spinner |
1 |
|
Ngaruroro River below the Whanawhana cable, excluding tributaries |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
2 |
|
Ngaruroro River tributaries below the Whanawhana cable |
1 Oct – 30 Jun |
Artificial fly/spinner |
2 |
|
Porangahau River downstream of its confluence with the Mangawhero Stream, excluding tributaries |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
2 |
|
Tuki Tuki River upstream from the State Highway 50 road bridge, excluding tributaries |
1 Oct – 30 Jun |
Artificial fly/spinner |
4 |
|
Tuki Tuki River downstream from the State Highway 50 road bridge, excluding tributaries |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
4 |
|
Tutaekuri River downstream of its confluence with the Mangaone Stream, excluding tributaries |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
2 |
|
Waipawa River downstream from the State Highway 50 road bridge, excluding tributaries |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
4 |
|
Waipawa River upstream from the State Highway 50 road bridge, excluding tributaries |
1 Oct – 30 Jun |
Artificial fly/spinner |
4 |
|
Waipunga River downstream from the falls, excluding tributaries |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
2 |
|
All lakes of the region except below: |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
4 |
|
Larger of Twin Lakes, Kuripapango |
All year |
Artificial fly/spinner |
No limit |
3. CLOSED WATERS
No restrictions.
4. COARSE FISHING WATERS
There are no defined coarse fishing waters in the Hawke’s Bay Region.
5. USE OF BOATS
No restrictions.
6. FISH LENGTH
Esk River above the Waipunga Road Bridge, including tributaries 550mm maximum
Ngaruroro River above the Whanawhana cable, including tributaries 550mm maximum
Lakes Tutira and Waikopiro 350mm minimum
All other waters No minimum size length
To see the latest regulations for all of the North Island (excluding Taupo where fishing is administered by DOC) and South Island, please download the PDFs below.
North Island / South Island | 
