This district’s rivers are unusual in that they run from the Tararua Range over a short distance to the Tasman Sea. There isn't a major river fishery parenting several smaller rivers, as with our other districts. As a result, the fishing can be variable as floods have a significant impact on trout numbers. However there are three moderately popular fisheries in the district.

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Waikanae River
Otaki River
Ohau River

SELECT HERE TO VIEW BROCHURE ON - Kapiti Coast Rivers - Otaki, Waikanae, Ohau.

Waikanae River

A rich angling river, it offers a diverse and rewarding angling experience, for fly fishers in particular. It is a small short river, that takes anglers through a “back country” to estuary fishing, all within 15km. Access is off SH1. To head upstream, take Reikorangi Road (access to and along the river is not public); to go downstream take Te Moana Road – there are a number of roads to the river with very good public access. To get to the estuary, go down Otaihanga Road which is off SH1 between Paraparaumu and Waikanae. Apart from the unsightly river control works immediately downstream of SH1, it's an attractive river that holds moderate numbers of well-conditioned brown trout with the best fishing in the middle and lower reaches that aren't affected by river control works.

Otaki River

This medium-sized river has an extensive catchment within the Tararua Forest Park and after leaving the Tararua Range, runs a rapid course to sea. It is a highly variable fishery with floods regularly turning over a relatively unstable bed. Access to the Forest Park is off SH1 via Otaki Gorge Road, which follows the south bank of the river. Walking access from the road end can take up to several days and anglers need to be fit and well equipped for mountain fishing. Downstream of the Forest Park the river passes through a gorge for 9km which is best fished from a raft, although trout numbers are usually low. Downstream again, access is best off SH1 walking up the river or by walking downstream on the south bank and fishing back up. All fishing methods are successful under most river conditions. During summer, spin and bait fishing is best focused on the faster runs and heads of pools.

Ohau River

A small river, the fishing is poor in the Forest Park but improves heading downstream. Again, vulnerable to flooding, fish numbers vary greatly. Access is off SH1 and to go upstream take either Muhunoa East Road, Kimberley Road, or to the Forest Park, Tararua and Gladstone Roads. To go downstream, take either Kuku Beach Road or Muhunoa West Road. There is no public access along the river downstream of Kimberley Scenic Reserve – so landowner permission is required. Careful stalking and fishing to sighted fish with either a small nymph or dry fly is recommended. The use of small spinners outside of low summer flows is also rewarding.