Ngaruroro River Trout Fishing

The Ngaruroro River flows the Kaimanawa and Kaweka forest parks and offers superb fly fishing for trout. The water is very clear with a boulder bottom and there is a lot of large pools. The scenery is spectacular wether down next to the river or up on the tops. The trout in this mid to upper reaches of the Ngaruroro are mostly rainbows in the 2-6 pound range. There are quite a few larger fish around as well. Despite the extremely clear water the trout generally aren't too spooky.  A lot of patience is required went trying to tempt the fish in the large pools as it can be very difficult to get the drift right in the swirling currents. Generally the classic combo of a heavy nymph with a lighter one behind it works well. As always hare and coppers are a good choice.

The river can be accessed from Kuripapango Rd, this is in the middle reaches and the river here is large and quite difficult to ford. You follow the river upstream or follow one of the tramping tracks. Cameron hut and Kiwi Mouth Hut provide a great place to stay overnight, there is also a good spot for camping beside the river about half way between Cameron and Kiwi Mouth huts. Upstream from Cameron hut the river is a bit smaller and easier to cross this makes the fishing more enjoyable. Much of the river bed is fairly open but there a quite a few small gorges that can be difficult to access. There is a huge amount of water to fish on this river, you'll be amazed at the sequences of great pools.