Get out this winter and enjoy calm rivers and lakes across the Wellington region.

Waters listed below are open all year unless a specific winter season is noted alongside the entry.

 

Key
  • F = Fly fishing
  • S = Spin fishing
  • B = Bait fishing
  • FSB = Fly, Spin, and Bait fishing permitted
  • FS = Fly and Spin fishing permitted only
  • FSB* = Fly, Spin, and Bait fishing permitted (*bait fishing restricted to child anglers only*)
  • Bag limit = maximum number of fish that may be taken or killed in one day

Bag limits

Note: Various maximum size limits apply to many rivers – see regulations. Bait fishing in Te Awa Kairangi (Hutt River) is permitted by child anglers only. 

Waters

Key

Bag Limit

All coastal dune lakes

FSB

4

Henley Lake

FSB

4

Hokowhitu Lagoon

FSB

2 rainbow or brown trout

Te Awa Kairangi / Hutt River

FSB*

2 (*bait fishing by child anglers only)

Kawhatau River

FSB

4

Kourarau Dam (Upper) Reservoir

FSB

1 trout, 4 tench

Lake Waitawa / Forest Lakes

FSB

0 tench (catch and release)

Makakahi River – downstream of Eketahuna Road Bridge

FSB

4

Manawatu River – downstream of Maunga Road Bridge

FSB

2

Mangahao River – downstream of Marima Reserve Bridge

FSB

4

Mangaone River, tributary of Tiraumea River

FSB

4

Mangatainoka River – downstream of Scarborough-Konini Road Bridge

FS

2

Moawhango River

FSB

4

Ohau River

FS

2

Oroua River – downstream of Ruahine Forest Park boundary to Oroua Valley Road Bridge

FSB

1

Oroua River – downstream of Oroua Valley Road Bridge

FSB

4

Otaki River – downstream of Tararua Forest Park boundary

FSB

1

Pohangina River – between Totara Reserve Bridge and Piripiri Bridge

FS

1

Pohangina River – downstream of Totara Reserve Bridge

FSB

2

Rangitikei River – downstream of Matawhero / Mangaohane Road Bridge

FSB

4

Ruamahanga River – downstream of State Highway 2

FSB

2

Tauwharenukau River – downstream of State Highway 2

FSB

2

Tiraumea River

FSB

4

Waingawa River – downstream of State Highway 2

FSB

2

Waiohine River – downstream of State Highway 2

FSB

2

Wairarapa Moana

FSB

4

Whitby Lakes

FSB

0 tench (catch and release)