Makotuku River

Makotuku River cuts through Manawatū-Whanganui, New Zealand and offers classic river fishing. The local patterns are the universal river patterns: fish the heads of pools at first light, the deep slow water in the middle of the day, and the tail-outs as light fades. Light tackle and a careful drift go a long way at Makotuku River — heavy splashes spook a whole pool.

Location

-40.1082, 176.2300 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species Reported in Manawatū-Whanganui

These species are commonly caught at fishing spots across Manawatū-Whanganui. Conditions at Makotuku River may vary.

Rainbow troutBrown troutAustralasian snapperEastern Australian salmonEuropean perchYellow-eye mullet

Fishing Techniques

• For Rainbow trout

  Vary your retrieve speed when using spinners to find what triggers a strike; sometimes a slow, steady retrieve works best, while other times a faster, erratic retrieve is more effective.

• For Brown trout

  When fishing streams, focus on seams and current breaks, where trout hold to ambush prey.

• For Australasian snapper

  Use berley (chum) to attract snapper to your fishing spot and hold them there, increasing your chances of a successful catch.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species reported in Manawatū-Whanganui.

Plan Your Trip

Anglers heading to Makotuku River should sort licences and confirm seasonal regulations for Manawatū-Whanganui before the trip. A quick weather check the morning of helps too — wind direction in particular can make or break a session at a spot like Makotuku River.

Nearby Spots in Manawatū-Whanganui

See all fishing spots in Manawatū-Whanganui →

Other Fishing Regions in New Zealand