Manawatū River Trout Fishing near Palmerston North

Last updated October 2026

The Manawatū River runs right through Palmerston North, and Fish & Game says most of the angling on the lower river happens between the Manawatū Gorge and the city. It holds healthy numbers of brown and rainbow trout, with perch common around and below Palmerston North.

The river is open all year below Maunga Road Bridge near Dannevirke, and fly, spinner and bait are all allowed. The city walkway alone gives more than 9 km of public access along the river.

At a Glance

Location

Ashhurst and the Manawatū Gorge down through Palmerston North to Foxton

Type

Large river: gravel runs near the gorge, slow and often turbid water below the city

Water

Freshwater river (Fish & Game Wellington)

Main species

Brown and rainbow trout; perch around and below Palmerston North

Season

Open all year below Maunga Road Bridge (near Dannevirke)

Methods

Fly, spinner and bait

Key access

Ashhurst Bridge (SH3), Raukawa Road, Palmerston North river walkway, Maxwells Line

Rules on the riverbed

No dogs, camping, fires or vehicles; stay within the riverbed

Licence

Fish & Game licence required

Flow

Horizons: Manawatū at Teachers College

About Manawatū River

The Manawatū rises east of the Ruahine Range and, unusually, cuts west through the Manawatū Gorge to reach the Tasman Sea at Foxton. It has about 170 km of fishable water. Above the gorge it is a small to medium gravel river; below Palmerston North it becomes expansive, slow-flowing and often turbid.

Fish & Game’s access guide covers the river from the gorge to Foxton Beach. On the Ashhurst side of the SH3 bridge there is a parking area with a short track to the river, which also reaches the lower Pohangina, and it is a good family spot for a picnic and a swim. From above, the river sweeps past the edge of Ashhurst between willow-lined banks and farmland.

In the city, a public walkway runs more than 9 km along the true right bank from Riversdale Road to Maxwells Line, with access from streets such as Ruahine Street, Albert Street, Fitzherbert Avenue and Dittmer Drive. Much of the bank is steep and tree-lined, so pick your spots.

How to Fish the Manawatū River

Where and when

Early in the season the fish are forgiving; as summer goes on and the water drops, it takes more patience and precision.

Fish & Game says dawn trips often find trout cruising the shallows, where a small caddis imitation and a careful stalk work well, and a spotter on the bank helps. Below Palmerston North the river slows and colours, and spinning and bait come into their own.

What to catch and what to use

• Fly: medium to small flies, sizes 12 to 18, with common nymph and sedge patterns. Small wet flies fished down and across are a good way to find fish in big, open water.
• Spinning: spoons in copper over black, and blade spinners in copper with black, green or red bodies. Rapalas suit faster or discoloured water.
• Bait: particularly productive below Palmerston North, where you can also catch perch, and further down mullet and herring.
• Brown and rainbow trout: browns are the mainstay, but rainbows are becoming more common.

Getting There and Facilities

• Ashhurst Bridge: on the Ashhurst side, turn off SH3 on the upstream side of the bridge to a parking area and short track to the river.
• Raukawa Road: off SH3 about 3 km from Ashhurst towards Palmerston North. Park at the end without blocking gates and cross the stile by the stopbank. Access along the river is courtesy of two gravel companies; keep to the river’s edge and out of the quarry areas.
• Palmerston North walkway: more than 9 km of public access on the true right bank between Riversdale Road and Maxwells Line.
• Maxwells Line: go over the stopbank to Paneiri Park, park in the gravel car park and walk about 200 m to the river.
• Further down: Camp Road, Karere Road and Jackeytown Road off SH56 below Longburn give more access; Fish & Game’s Lower Manawatū guide has the details.
• Riverbed rules: no dogs, camping, fires or vehicles on the riverbed, and stay within the riverbed unless the landowner says otherwise.

Rules and Safety

• Fish & Game Wellington rules apply and you need a licence. Below Maunga Road Bridge the river is open all year to fly, spinner and bait. Unlisted tributaries follow the standard 1 October to 30 April season.
• Check the current Wellington regulations for limits; there is no daily limit on perch.
• Parts of the riverbed are privately owned. Respect the access you are given and use the Walking Access Commission’s map if in doubt.
• The river rises and colours quickly after rain. Check the Horizons flow at Teachers College, and do not wade when it is up.

Tackle and Bait Nearby

• Hunting & Fishing Manawatu, 35 Grey Street, Palmerston North.
• Licences are also sold online through Fish & Game.

Useful Links

Common Questions

Is the Manawatū River open all year?
Yes, below Maunga Road Bridge near Dannevirke, which covers Ashhurst, the gorge and Palmerston North.

Can I use bait on the Manawatū?
Yes. Fly, spinner and bait are all allowed, and bait works especially well below Palmerston North.

What fish are in the river?
Brown and rainbow trout throughout, and perch around and below Palmerston North.

Where can I fish in Palmerston North?
From the river walkway, which runs more than 9 km on the true right bank between Riversdale Road and Maxwells Line.

Where is the best family spot?
The Ashhurst side of the SH3 bridge, with parking, a short track and good water for picnics and swimming.

Can I take my dog?
Not onto the riverbed at Fish & Game’s access points. The access conditions are no dogs, camping, fires or vehicles.

Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence, and Wellington rules apply.

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