Sea Fishing

Fishing Kapiti

Kapiti offers some amazing fishing providing you have the right gear and know the right spots and currents. Kapiti has a Marine Reserve in place and it is important that you take the time to view this area as there is no fishing allowed here - For more information on the Marine Reserve please click here. Fish to be caught year round include Tarakihi, Blue Cod, Kahawai, Trevally and Groper. Snapper are common in season, as are Kingfish. It can be fun towing a line behind a kayak and catching Kawhai, which may just end up towing you! Alternatively, try surf casting from the beach, which often provides a good catch. There are many species to be caught around Kapiti and you may be surprised with what you pull up. If you don't have a boat or need some professional advice then you can organise a chartered trip.

• Kapiti Marine Reserve
• Kapiti Boating Club
• West Coast Charters
• Wellington Fishing Charter

Fresh Water Fishing

Waikanae River

Fishing Season: Oct 1st - Apr 30th (river is closed outside these dates)
Fishing methods: Artificial Fly / Spinner / Bait
Bag Limit: 1 Trout
Size Limit: None

White Baiting Season: Aug 15th - Nov 30th

The Waikanae River enters the sea between Waikanae and Paraparaumu and rises up into the Tararua Ranges. Where the sea meets the river you will find in-season whitebaiters setting nets their and hopefully filling their buckets. You might also see fishermen fishing the river for sea-run brown trout or further up the river fly fishermen stalking the river edges for browns. The Waikanae river holds a good number of resident trout averaging 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 lb and sometimes you will find browns of 4 - 5lbs. The majority of trout are usually found in the lower areas. There are numerous houses that line the river. However, there are access paths along the river edge. The river changes from the upper reaches, where it cuts through alluvial gravels and has a rocky bottom, to a sand bottom as it cuts through sand dunes. The upper area of the Waikanae river is lined with regenerated native bush and you may find the odd trout in these areas.

• Waikanae River Access Points
• Waikanae River Fishing Information
• Kapiti Fly Fishing Club

Otaki River

Fishing Season: Oct 1st - Apr 30th (river is closed outside these dates)
Fishing methods: Artificial Fly / Spinner / Bait
Bag Limit: 1 Trout (upstream from the Tararua forest Park Boundary).

No limit below this point.
Size Limit: None

The Otaki River is a large river with two distinct areas. The lower reaches of the river are wide and spread out with little native bush due to development. The upper reaches of the river are much more gorgy and are lined with alot of native bush. The river is prone to flooding and this can dramatically change its appearance. The upper reaches of the river are very beautiful and deep in areas, generally surrounded by high cliffs and large rocks. Though you will find the odd trout up higher, the majority of trout are found in the lower areas. Due to flooding, trout numbers fluctuate from year to year and often the river does not hold many trout.

• Otaki River Info
• Otaki River Fishing Info