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The Ruakituri River is a premier trout fishery offering anglers the chance to fish for magnificent trophy trout within a beautiful setting.
It offers a range of fly fishing opportunities from wilderness fishing for huge trout in the headwaters to easily accessible river fishing in the middle and lower reaches.
This is a large river with a huge variety of waters from deep pools to long rapids and runs. Although only open to fly fishing, it provides ample opportunities for dry fly, nymphing or wet lining. While the upper reaches require some walking the lower and middle reaches are generally very accessible.
Fish Type: A large population of both brown and rainbow trout. Above the Waitangi Falls in the headwaters only rainbow trout (many of impressive size) are present.
Upper reaches:
Upper reaches:
From above the Waitangi Falls to the headwaters (within Te Urewera National Park).
Description:
The upper reaches of the Ruakituri are by far the most scenic part of the river and offer the angler a true wilderness fishing experience. This section is remote and only suitable for those prepared to hike in.
Fish numbers and size:
The river here holds only rainbow trout which average 2- 3 kg but with many over 5 kg caught each year.
Access:
Getting to the upper reaches of the Ruakituri River requires considerable walking. Good walking tracks follow the river for much of its length but there are two gorges that can be difficult to pass especially in poor weather conditions. Anglers who make the effort to walk in are rewarded with superb fishing for well-conditioned fish in a pristine environment.
Middle reaches:
Middle reaches:
From the Erepeti Bridge to the Waitangi Falls.
Description:
The middle section of the Ruakituri, with its easy access, is by far the most popular and productive section. There are many kilometers of excellent fishing available with the
water being a series of pools, rapids and long glides. The river runs through a mixture of bush land and open farmland. Apart from a section of gorge just above the Erepeti Road junction, most of the river here is open and easy to fish.
Fish numbers and size:
The brown and rainbow trout present in this section average around 2 kg. The fish population is very high.
Access:
There is good access to the river along the Papuni road upstream from the junction with the Erepeti road. The section from the end of the Papuni road up to the Waitangi Falls (approximately 5 km) can be reached by following a well-defined track.
Lower reaches:
Lower reaches:
From the Ruakituri Bridge to the Erepeti road junction.
Description:
This part of the river is much wider and slower than in the middle and upper reaches, though still with a variety of waters, including series of long runs interspersed with very
deep pools.
Fish numbers and size:
Both brown and rainbow trout are present, mostly 1-2 kg in size.
Access:
There is easy access along the Ruakituri road which follows the true right bank up to the the Ruakituri Bridge and follows the true left bank to the junction with the Erepeti road.
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