Mata River

Flowing through Gisborne, New Zealand, Mata River is a river that suits anglers willing to walk a bank. Most fish at Mata River hold in identifiable lies — the same eddies, drop-offs, and shaded undercuts produce trip after trip. After heavy rain, Mata River can colour up and rise quickly; that's often when bigger predators come out to feed, but wading conditions get dangerous.

Location

-37.8833, 178.2830 · View on OpenStreetMap →

Species Reported in Gisborne

These species are commonly caught at fishing spots across Gisborne. Conditions at Mata River may vary.

Australasian snapperEastern Australian salmonSouthern yellowtail amberjackHapukaTope sharkBrown trout

Fishing Techniques

• For Australasian snapper

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

• 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 Gisborne.

Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Mata 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 Mata River — confirm them ahead of time.

Nearby Spots in Gisborne

See all fishing spots in Gisborne →

Other Fishing Regions in New Zealand