Last updated October 2026
The Tokomaru River rises on the western side of the Tararua Range and runs west to cross SH57 between Palmerston North and Shannon. Fish & Game says its headwaters give mountain-style fishing in high-quality surroundings, for good-sized but few trout, among deep pools and big boulders that suit only fit anglers.
Below SH57 it can be rewarding with patience and careful stalking. It is best early in the season, fly fishing is the most productive method, and landowner permission is needed for access.
Tokomaru River at a Glance
- Location
- Tararua foothills, crossing SH57 between Palmerston North and Shannon
- Water
- Freshwater river (Fish & Game Wellington)
- Main species
- Trout: good-sized but few
- Best time
- Early in the season
- Season
- 1 Oct to 30 Apr (standard Wellington season)
- Methods
- Fly, spinner and bait; fly fishing most productive
- Upper access
- Horseshoe Bend Recreation Reserve off Tokomaru Road (permission required)
- Lower access
- Below SH57, with landowner permission
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required
- Flow
- Horizons: Tokomaru at Riverland Farm
No tides. A mountain stream that rises fast after rain in the Tararua Range; clear, settled water early in the season fishes best.
Setting and Background
The Tokomaru drains the western Tararua Range. Its headwaters are rugged country with deep pools and many large boulders, which make progress hard in places, and Fish & Game recommends them only for fit anglers.
The upper reaches are reached through the Horseshoe Bend Recreation Reserve off Tokomaru Road. Fish & Game notes that this area is not part of the Forest Park and permission is required. From above, the river loops through bush-lined bends between farmland, with a quarry on the slopes nearby.
Downstream of SH57 the river is smaller and gentler, and Fish & Game says it can be rewarding with a little patience and careful stalking. Landowner permission is required there too.
How to Fish the Tokomaru River
Where and when
Go early in the season, when the fish are in the best condition and the water is clear. In the headwaters, pick your way slowly between the boulders and fish each pool carefully, because there are not many fish to find. Below SH57, stalk the banks and cast to fish you can see.
What to catch and what to use
- Trout: fly fishing is the most productive method. Weighted nymphs reach the deep pools, and a dry fly works when fish are rising.
- Spinning and bait: allowed under the regulations, though the boulder water suits fly fishing best.
- Gear: polarised glasses, sturdy boots for the boulders, and a light rod.
Getting There and Facilities
- Driving: SH57 crosses the river between Palmerston North and Shannon, near Tokomaru village.
- Upper river: through the Horseshoe Bend Recreation Reserve off Tokomaru Road. Get permission before you go.
- Lower river: below SH57, ask the landowner before crossing farmland and leave gates as you find them.
- Fitness: the headwaters are rough going, with deep pools and large boulders. Tell someone where you are going.
Rules and Safety
- Fish & Game Wellington rules apply and you need a licence. The river is not listed separately, so the standard 1 October to 30 April season applies, with fly, spinner and bait.
- Check the current Wellington regulations for limits before you keep a fish.
- The river rises fast after rain in the Tararua Range. Do not cross or climb around deep pools when it is up; check the Horizons flow first.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Manawatu, 35 Grey Street, Palmerston North.
- Licences are also sold online through Fish & Game.
Official Sources
Fish & Game: Manawatū-Rangitīkei waters: the Tokomaru, its access and the best times.
Wellington sports fishing regulations: seasons, methods and limits.
Horizons river levels: live flow for the Tokomaru.
Common Questions
Where is the Tokomaru River?
It runs off the Tararua Range and crosses SH57 between Palmerston North and Shannon.
When is the best time to fish it?
Early in the season, according to Fish & Game.
What is the season?
The standard Wellington season, 1 October to 30 April.
Do I need permission to fish it?
Yes. Fish & Game says permission is required for the upper river at Horseshoe Bend and from landowners below SH57.
Is it suitable for beginners?
The headwaters suit fit, experienced anglers. The water below SH57 is easier going but still needs careful stalking.
What method works best?
Fly fishing is the most productive method.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence, and Wellington rules apply.
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