Last updated November 2026
The Waiongana Stream and its tributary the Mangaoraka cross SH3 midway between Bell Block and Waitara, about 10 km from New Plymouth.
Fish & Game Taranaki treats them as one fishery, with brown trout averaging about 1.5 kg, best in the middle and lower reaches. Both are open all year below the SH3 Devon Road bridges, with fly, spin and bait allowed. Public access is limited to a few bridges and short esplanade strips, so you will often need a landowner’s permission.
At a Glance
- Location
- SH3 between Bell Block and Waitara, about 10 km from New Plymouth
- Type
- Two small ringplain streams through farmland
- Water
- Freshwater streams (Fish & Game Taranaki)
- Main species
- Brown trout, averaging about 1.5 kg
- Season
- All year below the SH3 Devon Road bridges; 1 Oct to 30 Apr above
- Methods
- Fly, spin and bait
- Public access
- Esplanade strip off Brown Road; road bridges; parts of the Mangaoraka
- Private land
- Most of the banks: ask the landowner
- Licence
- Fish & Game licence required
- Flow
- TRC: Waiongana at SH3a
No tides. Freshes colour the streams after rain, which suits bait; clear, low water suits small nymphs and dry flies.
Flow now: 7.019 m³/s, rising (Taranaki Regional Council gauge, Waiongana at SH3a, 2:15 pm)
Getting to Know Waiongana Stream
The Waiongana rises near the North Egmont visitor centre on Taranaki Maunga and runs north to the coast west of Waitara. LAWA notes that about 91 per cent of its catchment is intensive farmland. The Mangaoraka joins it as a tributary, and both streams fish best in their middle and lower reaches.
Near the coast the lower Waiongana runs in a willow-lined channel between steep banks, with flat paddocks either side. Brown Road, off Tate Road, follows the farmland just east of the stream and gives access to a short esplanade strip on the lower river.
These are small, intimate streams. Fish & Game Taranaki gives month-by-month advice for them, which makes them a good place to learn ringplain stream fishing close to the city.
How to Fish the Waiongana Stream
Where and when
Early in the season, and after a fresh has coloured the water, creeper and worm are the go-to baits. As the water clears, switch to small nymphs and dry flies. In winter, when only the lower reaches are open, heavier bead-head nymphs and spinners get down to the fish.
What to catch and what to use
- Nymphs: a size 16 hare and copper or halfback under a bushy dry fly as an indicator.
- Dry flies: beetle imitations from November to January, and a Coch-y-Bondhu from February to April.
- Winter: gold or tungsten bead-head nymphs, a toby or Rapala spinner, or a worm.
- Bait: creeper and worm early in the season and after freshes.
Getting There and Facilities
- Waiongana bridges: Devon Road (SH3), Te Arei Road West off Ninia Road, and Manutahi Road.
- Lower Waiongana: turn off SH3 onto Tate Road, then left into Brown Road for the esplanade strip.
- Mangaoraka: Corbett Road, and the lower reaches from Mahoetahi Road off SH3.
- Parking: roadside only. SH3 is a busy highway, so park well off the road and take care at the Devon Road bridge.
- Private land: elsewhere, ask the landowner before crossing farmland. Fish & Game’s online access map shows the public points.
Rules and Safety
- Fish & Game Taranaki rules apply and you need a licence. The Waiongana and Mangaoraka are open all year below the SH3 Devon Road bridges, with fly, spin and bait. Above the bridges, the standard 1 October to 30 April season applies.
- Check the current Taranaki regulations for limits before you keep a fish.
- Both streams drain farmland. Avoid swimming for three days after heavy rain, as the regional council advises, and wash your hands after fishing.
- Clean, check and dry your gear before moving to another river.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Taranaki Valley, 2/20 Rifle Range Road, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth.
- Hunting & Fishing Taranaki, Ocean View Parade, New Plymouth.
- Licences are also sold online through Fish & Game.
Official Sources
Fish & Game: Taranaki ringplain rivers: Waiongana and Mangaoraka access and month-by-month methods.
Taranaki sports fishing regulations: seasons, methods and limits.
LAWA: Waiongana catchment: water quality in the stream.
Common Questions
Where is the Waiongana Stream?
It crosses SH3 midway between Bell Block and Waitara, about 10 km from New Plymouth.
Is the Waiongana open all year?
Below the SH3 Devon Road Bridge, yes. Above it the season runs from 1 October to 30 April. The Mangaoraka has the same rule.
Can I use bait?
Yes. Fly, spin and bait are all allowed.
What fish are in the stream?
Brown trout, averaging about 1.5 kg.
Where is the public access?
The esplanade strip off Brown Road on the lower Waiongana, the road bridges, and parts of the Mangaoraka. Elsewhere ask the landowner.
What flies work in summer?
Beetle patterns from November to January and a Coch-y-Bondhu from February to April, with a small hare and copper or halfback nymph.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence, and Taranaki rules apply.
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