Motu River

Upper reaches:

Above Motu Falls:
The upper reaches are really the only easily accessible section of the river to the angler. The upper reaches flow through a mixture of open farmland and bush country.

Much of these headwaters her over open land however and holds a good population of trout (and an even larger population of eels).

The river will quickly discolour after heavy rain but will clear very quickly. Consequently, trout are not hard to spot and so 90% of the fishing is to sighted fish. It does offer excellent dry fly and nymph water as well as offering plenty of opportunity for spinning. It is a remote river and is protected by a National Water Conservation Order.

Access:

These upper reaches can be reached from the small settlement of Matawai on State Highway 2. Much of the river is over private farmland and so permission must be sought from the landowner before crossing their land.

Middle reaches:

Below Motu Falls:

The middle reaches below Motu Falls are very rugged and inaccessible. The section should be left to the very energetic and experienced angler and is really best suited to those wishing to spin fish. It is a popular rafting river and the use of a raft is the most practicable method of transport through this region. Anyone who is travelling down the river by raft would be well advised to include a small spinning rod (and camera) with their luggage.

Access:

Access to the middle reaches is via raft (and only experienced rafters should attempt this river).

Lower reaches:

Below the Magatane River confluence:

The lower reaches below the confluence with the Magatane River have little interest to the anglers this part of the Motu is silt laden and not an attractive area to fish. It is worth however, spin fishing for the number of large kahawai at the river mouth when they are running.

Access:

Road access to the river mouth on SH35.