Makaroro River

Running through Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, Makaroro River is the kind of river that fishes well at the right water level. Drop a lure or fly into the bubble line at the head of a pool and let the current swing it past holding fish. Long, slow glides at Makaroro River hold the bigger fish; the broken water above and below holds the smaller, more aggressive ones. Stay quiet on the bank — river fish are easily spooked.

Location

-39.7082, 176.2100 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species Reported in Hawke's Bay

These species are commonly caught at fishing spots across Hawke's Bay. Conditions at Makaroro River may vary.

Rainbow troutEastern Australian salmonSouthern yellowtail amberjackBrown troutAustralasian snapperJackass morwong

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 Eastern Australian salmon

  Eastern Australian salmon often school, so if you catch one, keep fishing the same area; they are aggressive feeders and readily strike at moving targets.

• For Southern yellowtail amberjack

  When fishing structure, use a heavier leader to prevent break-offs, as yellowtail will often run hard into rocks or reefs.

Recommended Gear

Tackle commonly used to target the species reported in Hawke's Bay.

Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Makaroro River? Check current conditions before you go: water level, recent weather, and any local closures. New Zealand regulations on licences, seasons, and bag limits apply at Makaroro River — confirm them ahead of time.

Nearby Spots in Hawke's Bay

See all fishing spots in Hawke's Bay →

Other Fishing Regions in New Zealand