Last updated October 2026
The Pohangina River runs off the western Ruahine Range down the Pohangina Valley to join the Manawatū at Ashhurst, about 20 minutes from Palmerston North.
Fish & Game says it holds good trout numbers along its length, among wide gravel beaches lined with willows and native trees. It is best for sight fishing, though nymphing, spinning and bait in the faster runs also work. The most popular spots are the Raumai picnic area by the bridge and Tōtara Reserve, about 10 km further up.
At a Glance
- Location
- Pohangina Valley, north of Ashhurst
- Water
- Freshwater river (Fish & Game Wellington)
- Main species
- Brown and rainbow trout
- Season
- All year below Piripiri Bridge; 1 Oct to 30 Apr above it
- Methods
- Fly, spinner and bait
- Key access
- Raumai picnic area, Tōtara Reserve, Piripiri bridge, Saddle Road Bridge, SH3 bridge
- Camping
- Tōtara Reserve Regional Park, Labour Weekend to end of April (book online)
- Dogs
- Not allowed on Fish & Game access points or in Tōtara Reserve
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required
- Flow
- Horizons: Pohangina at Mais Reach
No tides. Floods reshape the channel and set the trout numbers; clear, settled water suits sight fishing.
Flow now: 6.24 m³/s, steady (Horizons Regional Council gauge, Pohangina at Mais Reach, 9:15 am)
Getting to Know Pohangina River
The Pohangina rises on the western flank of the Ruahine Range and flows south to meet the Manawatū at Ashhurst.
Pohangina Valley Road East and West follow it for about 40 km. It is a relatively unstable river in a wide channel, so trout numbers rise and fall with the frequency and size of floods. Natural barriers mean few if any fish live inside the Forest Park.
At Raumai, about 8.5 km up the valley from Ashhurst, the river spreads across a broad bed of grey gravel braids beside the Pohangina Valley East Road bridge, with willows and scrub along the edges. The picnic area there has plenty of parking and is popular for barbecues and swimming in summer.
Tōtara Reserve Regional Park, run by Horizons, is about 10 km further up and has camping from Labour Weekend to the end of April. Fish & Game also notes campgrounds beside the river at Piripiri and at Churchill Drive.
How to Fish the Pohangina River
Where and when
Walk the gravel beaches with polarised glasses and look for trout holding in the runs and pool heads before you cast. When you cannot see fish, nymph, spin or drift a bait through the fast water at the heads of pools. In summer, move well away from the swimming holes at Raumai and Tōtara Reserve before you start.
What to catch and what to use
- Sight fishing: the river suits stalking fish you can see, with a nymph or dry fly.
- Nymphs and spinners: worked through the faster runs and pool heads.
- Bait: allowed, and worth trying in the fast water when the river is slightly coloured.
- Backcountry: for the adventurous, there is good fishing a long way up into the ranges.
Getting There and Facilities
- Raumai picnic area: from Ashhurst follow Cambridge Street into Pohangina Valley Road for about 8.5 km, turn right onto Pohangina Valley East Road and the picnic area is on the right about 1 km along, before the bridge.
- Gravel pit: about 9 km past the Raumai picnic area on Pohangina Valley East Road, with parking and river access.
- Tōtara Reserve and Churchill Drive: about 13 km past Raumai on Pohangina Valley East Road, then along Churchill Drive about 1 km to a bridge, with a campground and picnic area.
- Piripiri: continue about 12 km further on Pohangina Valley East Road to the bridge, with tracks at both ends and a campground just downstream.
- Lower river: the Saddle Road Bridge from Ashhurst, and the SH3 bridge, where the Pohangina joins the Manawatū 400 m upstream.
- Tōtara Reserve rules: no dogs or other pets, no motorbikes or quad bikes, and no hunting. Swimming is banned at the Kahikatea camping ground because of unstable cliffs.
Rules and Safety
- Fish & Game Wellington rules apply and you need a licence. The river is open all year to fly, spinner and bait below Piripiri Bridge. Above it, the standard 1 October to 30 April season applies.
- Check the current Wellington regulations for limits before you keep a fish.
- Fish & Game’s access conditions: no dogs, camping, fires or vehicles on the riverbed, and stay within the riverbed.
- The river channel changes after floods, and pools can change too. Avoid swimming for three days after heavy rain, and check the Horizons flow before you cross.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Manawatu, 35 Grey Street, Palmerston North.
- Licences are also sold online through Fish & Game.
Find Out More
Fish & Game: Pohangina River access guide: directions to every access point.
Tōtara Reserve Regional Park: camping dates, rules and swimming advice.
Wellington sports fishing regulations: seasons, methods and limits.
Common Questions
Where is the Pohangina River?
In the Pohangina Valley north of Ashhurst, about 20 minutes from Palmerston North. It joins the Manawatū at Ashhurst.
Is the Pohangina open all year?
Below Piripiri Bridge, yes. Above it the season runs from 1 October to 30 April.
Can I use bait?
Yes. Fly, spinner and bait are all allowed.
Where are the best spots?
The Raumai picnic area by the bridge and Tōtara Reserve, about 10 km further up the valley.
Can I camp beside the river?
Yes. Tōtara Reserve Regional Park has camping from Labour Weekend to the end of April, and Fish & Game notes a campground at Piripiri.
Can I bring my dog?
No. Dogs are not allowed in Tōtara Reserve or on the riverbed at Fish & Game access points.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence, and Wellington rules apply.
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