Ōroua River Fishing: Trout from Āpiti to Feilding

Last updated November 2026

The Ōroua River leaves the western Ruahine Range at Āpiti and flows south through Feilding to join the Manawatū. For Palmerston North anglers the handiest water is below Feilding, reached off Awahuri Road, where Fish & Game says the fishing is good, best from late winter to early summer.

Up in the ranges off Table Flat Road the fishing is scenic and peaceful but trout numbers are low. The river is open all year below the Ruahine Forest Park boundary, with fly, spinner and bait allowed.

Ōroua River at a Glance

Location

Āpiti and the Ruahine Range down through Feilding to Awahuri

Water

Freshwater river (Fish & Game Wellington)

Main species

Trout

Best time

Late winter to early summer below Feilding

Season

All year below the Ruahine Forest Park boundary; 1 Oct to 30 Apr inside the park

Methods

Fly, spinner and bait

Lower access

Awahuri Road, below Feilding

Upper access

End of Table Flat Road (DOC car park at Petersons Road)

Licence

Fish & Game licence required

Flow

Horizons: Ōroua at Kopane Bridge

What Makes It Worth the Trip

Fish & Game splits the Ōroua into three quite different reaches. In the ranges, reached off the end of Table Flat Road beyond Āpiti, access is reasonable and the fishing is very enjoyable for a moderately fit angler, but trout numbers are generally low.

How to Fish the Ōroua River

Where and when

For a short trip from Palmerston North, fish the lower river off Awahuri Road between late winter and early summer, before the flows drop. For a day out in the hills, the Table Flat Road end gives scenic back-country water, best early in the season when the trout are most active.

Getting There and Facilities

• Lower river: off Awahuri Road, below Feilding.
• Middle river: off Oroua Valley Road and Kimbolton Road down to Kiwitea.
• Upper river: from Kimbolton take Āpiti Road through Āpiti, then Table Flat Road and Petersons Road to the DOC car park on farmland. The area is also popular with hunters and trampers.
• Private land: stay within the riverbed unless the landowner says otherwise, and leave gates as you find them.

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 the Ruahine Forest Park boundary; inside the park, the standard 1 October to 30 April season applies.
• Check the current Wellington regulations for limits before you keep a fish.
• Below Feilding, avoid the river in low summer flows, when Fish & Game says waste discharges affect it.
• The river rises after rain in the Ruahine Range. Check the Horizons flow at Kopane Bridge before you go.

Tackle and Bait Nearby

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

Common Questions

Where can I fish the Ōroua near Palmerston North?
Below Feilding, off Awahuri Road. Fish & Game rates the fishing there as good from late winter to early summer.

Is the Ōroua open all year?
Below the Ruahine Forest Park boundary, yes. Inside the park the season is 1 October to 30 April.

Can I use bait?
Yes. Fly, spinner and bait are all allowed.

Why avoid the lower river in late summer?
Fish & Game says low flows and waste discharges make it unattractive then.

Is the back-country water worth it?
It is scenic and peaceful, reached off Table Flat Road, but trout numbers are generally low.

What about between Kiwitea and Feilding?
Fish & Game says that stretch is variable and generally poor.

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

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