Strong-Fighting Big Trout in Crystal Clear Waters! #catchandrelease #river #fishing #newzealand

Trout Fishing in Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand – Complete Guide

Hawke’s Bay, located on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, is a hidden gem for trout anglers. With a mix of pristine rivers, spring creeks, and lake-fed streams, it offers excellent brown and rainbow trout fishing opportunities. Here's everything you need to know:


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???? Main Trout Species

Brown Trout (Salmo trutta)

Common in lowland and backcountry rivers.

Known for spooky behavior and selective feeding.

Heavier fish, up to 10 lb in remote areas.


Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)

More common in the mid to upper reaches of rivers.

Aggressive feeders and strong fighters.

Typically range 1–4 lb, occasionally bigger.




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????️ Top Trout Fishing Rivers in Hawke's Bay

1. Tukituki River

Iconic river near Havelock North.

Good access, especially from the Red Bridge.

Productive from spring through autumn.

Great for both spin and fly fishing.



2. Mohaka River

Remote, scenic, and home to trophy-sized trout.

Excellent backcountry fly fishing.

Helicopter access possible to upper reaches.

Popular for drift boat fishing.



3. Ngaruroro River

Clear flows, good dry fly water.

Browns and rainbows present.

Popular with locals, but not overfished.

Summer and autumn are peak seasons.



4. Tutaekuri River

Fast-flowing with pocket water and runs.

Great for dry-dropper setups.

Close to Napier – excellent for half-day trips.



5. Lake Tutira

North of Napier, stocked with trout.

Shoreline and trolling options.

Best fished early morning or evening.





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???? Fishing Methods

Fly Fishing

Dry fly, nymphing, and streamer techniques all productive.

Summer: Cicada imitations work well.

Winter: Use tungsten nymphs and egg patterns in spawning tributaries.


Spin Fishing

Allowed in most rivers – check regional rules.

Spinners like Mepps, Veltic, Rapalas (Floating & Countdown models).

Softbaits also work, especially in deeper pools.




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???? Recommended Tackle

Fly Rods:

5–6 weight rods for river fishing

7 weight for larger rivers like the Mohaka


Spin Gear:

Light-medium 6’–7’ rods

2000–2500 size reels

4–8 lb mono or fluorocarbon


Effective Lures & Flies:

Flies: Pheasant Tail Nymph, Hare & Copper, Royal Wulff, Cicada, Woolly Bugger

Lures: Rapala CD7, Black/Gold Tassie Devil, Berkley PowerBait Grubs



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???? Seasons & Best Times

Spring (Oct–Nov): Rivers clear and trout feed aggressively after winter.

Summer (Dec–Feb): Dry fly heaven, sight fishing.

Autumn (Mar–May): Spawning runs begin. Fish are fat and in peak condition.

Winter (June–Sept): Closed in most rivers, but some remain open (check Fish & Game regs).



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???? Licensing & Regulations

NZ Fish & Game Fishing Licence is required

Options: Day, Week, Whole Season

Buy online or at tackle shops


Check Eastern and Hawke’s Bay Fish & Game Regions for specific regulations:

Daily bag limits

Legal fishing methods

River-specific closures




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???? Access & Accommodation

Many rivers have public access points, often marked with signage.

Department of Conservation (DOC) land offers camping and access to backcountry rivers.

Hawke’s Bay towns like Napier, Hastings, and Havelock North offer accommodations, fishing gear shops, and guides.



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????‍????‍???? Local Tips

Trout can be wary in low, clear water – use light leaders and careful presentation.

Use polarized sunglasses for spotting trout.

Early morning and late afternoon offer the best action during hot summer days.

Get a local guide for the Mohaka or backcountry trips – they know hidden gems.



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???? Social Media & Hashtags

Use these hashtags when sharing your catches and experiences online:

#HawkesBayFishing #NZTrout #TukiTukiRiver #MohakaRiver #FlyFishingNZ #SpinFishingNZ #BrownTroutNZ #RainbowTroutNZ #TroutFishingAdventure #TroutOnFly #CatchAndReleaseNZ #FishAndGameNZ #BackcountryFishing #FishingNewZealand #WildernessFishingNZ #TightLinesNZ #TroutFishingLife #CicadaSeason #RiverFishingNZ #LakeTutiraFishing


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Would you like a list of local tackle shops or fishing guides in Hawke's Bay?