Last updated October 2026
Above the city, the Whanganui River runs between bush and farmland up to Pipiriki, with Kaiwhaiki Road and the Whanganui River Road following it. Fish & Game Taranaki says this reach is often discoloured, which puts anglers off, but in low summer flows it gives good brown trout fishing, with fish gathering at the mouths of small side streams.
The river is open all year below the Ohura confluence, and fly, spinner and bait are all allowed. Most of the best water is reached across private paddocks, so ask at the nearest house first.
At a Glance
- Location
- Above Whanganui city to Pipiriki, along Kaiwhaiki Road and Whanganui River Road
- Type
- Large river: long pools, gravel bars and side-stream mouths
- Water
- Freshwater river (Fish & Game Taranaki)
- Main species
- Brown trout; very large eel population
- Best time
- Low summer flows, when the water clears
- Season
- Open all year below the Ohura confluence (tributaries excluded)
- Methods
- Fly, spinner and bait
- Access
- Kaiwhaiki Road; Whanganui River Road; ask before crossing paddocks
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required
- Flow
- Horizons: Whanganui at Te Rewa
No tides above the city. Flow and colour decide the fishing: low, clearer summer flows fish best.
The Background
This guide covers the non-tidal river above the city, from around Kaiwhaiki up to Pipiriki; the tidal water through the city has its own estuary guide. From above, at Kaiwhaiki the broad river sweeps past a terrace of paddocks and houses on one bank, with steep bush on the other.
Further up, the river often runs well below Whanganui River Road, and reaching the best water usually means crossing farmland. Fish & Game’s advice is simple: ask for permission at the nearest house.
The river is Te Awa Tupua, recognised in law since 2017 as an indivisible living whole. Its long colour and size mean it is lightly fished above the city, and Fish & Game notes that it holds a very large population of tuna (eels).
How to Fish the Whanganui River
Where and when
Wait for a settled spell in summer when the flow drops and the water clears. Then look for trout holding at the mouths of the small streams that flow in, and work the gravel bars that are exposed at low water. When the river is only slightly coloured, bait comes into its own.
What to catch and what to use
- Spinning: the most popular method, with easy-to-cast lures or soft baits. At low flows, diving lures reach the deep pools.
- Fly fishing: fish weighted nymphs or wet flies from the exposed gravel bars.
- Bait: a drifted worm works well when the river is slightly discoloured. A bait left on the bottom is likely to be taken by an eel.
What to bring
A spinning rod with a range of lures, a few weighted nymphs, worms, and your licence. Be ready for a walk and a scramble down steep banks to reach the water.
Getting There and Facilities
- Lower reaches: Kaiwhaiki Road, on the west side of the river above the city.
- Upper reaches: Whanganui River Road runs up the true left bank through the river settlements to Pipiriki.
- Private land: where the river is below the road, ask at the nearest house before crossing a paddock, and leave gates as you find them.
- Boats and canoes: from Pipiriki the river is the canoe route of the Whanganui Journey, and jet boats run on it. Watch for them and give them room.
- Downstream: for kahawai and sea-run trout in the tidal water, see our Whanganui River estuary fishing guide.
Rules and Safety
- Fish & Game Taranaki rules apply to the whole reach from the city to Pipiriki and you need a licence. The river is open all year below the Ohura confluence to fly, spinner and bait.
- Tributaries are not covered by the all-year rule. Unless the regulations name them, they follow the standard 1 October to 30 April season.
- Check the current Taranaki regulations for limits before you keep a fish.
- The river rises fast after rain and is deep and powerful. Stay off steep, slippery banks when it is high, and check the Horizons flow at Te Rewa before you go.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Whanganui, 64 Carlton Avenue, Whanganui.
- Fish & Game licences are also sold online.
From locals
Is there anywhere safe to pull off and park near the water on Whanganui River Road?
No answers yet. If you know, a local would love to hear it.
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Common Questions
Is the Whanganui River open all year?
Yes, below the Ohura confluence, which covers everything from the city to Pipiriki. Tributaries follow their own seasons.
Can I use bait on the Whanganui River?
Yes. Fly, spinner and bait are all allowed.
What fish are in the river above the city?
Mainly brown trout, along with a very large population of eels.
When is the best time to fish?
In low summer flows when the water clears. Trout gather at the mouths of small side streams.
How do I get to the river?
Kaiwhaiki Road in the lower reaches and Whanganui River Road up to Pipiriki. Ask at the nearest house before crossing farmland.
Why do I keep catching eels?
The river has a very large tuna population, and baits left on the bottom are easy for them to find.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence, and Taranaki rules apply.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.
Related links 3
- Fish & Game: Whanganui fisheries: access and methods for the river below Pipiriki.
- Taranaki sports fishing regulations: season, methods and limits.
- Horizons river levels: live flow for the Whanganui at Te Rewa.