Last updated October 2026
The Temuka River, Te Umu Kaha, is a small South Canterbury river that forms just north-west of Temuka and flows past the town to join the Ōpihi River before the sea. It is fed by the Te Moana, Kakahu and Waihī rivers and is mostly long, slow flats with short ripples, lined with willows. It holds brown trout, and a 1960 survey found its trout ran larger on average than the Ōpihi’s. It suits anglers who fish small nymphs carefully, especially in clear water after winter floods. The SH1 bridge beside Temuka Domain is the easiest place to start.
At a Glance
- Location
- Temuka, about 17 km north of Timaru on SH1; joins the Ōpihi River below the town
- Water
- Fresh: Temuka River / Te Umu Kaha and tributaries
- Main species
- Brown trout
- Season
- 1 October to 30 April
- Methods
- Fly, spinning and bait all allowed
- Access
- SH1 bridge by Temuka Domain; Fish & Game also names SH72 and Te Awa Road for the Temuka and Waihī system
- Toilets
- Temuka Domain
- Flow gauge
- Temuka River at Manse Bridge (Environment Canterbury)
- Rules
- Fish & Game Central South Island; licence required
- Cost
- Fish & Game licence
No tides. Flow and clarity drive the fishing: the river rises and colours after rain in its catchment, clears quickly after small rises, and runs low and clear in summer.
Getting to Know Temuka River
The Temuka is the combined flow of the Te Moana, Kakahu and Waihī rivers, which meet just above Temuka township. From there it runs south past Temuka Domain and under SH1 to join the Ōpihi a short way inland from the coast.
A 1960 Marine Department survey described it as a far more placid water than the Ōpihi, made up of long flats of slow or moderate current with short ripples between them, and found brown trout plentiful through the whole system.
Willows line much of the river, and in low water the trout tuck into the deeper water under them. The river rises with rain in its foothill catchment, and its tributaries can run very low in summer.
Environment Canterbury’s gauge at Manse Bridge has recorded flows from under 0.2 cubic metres a second in a dry autumn to more than 800 in a flood.
Arowhenua, the main Māori kāinga of South Canterbury, lies between the Temuka and Ōpihi rivers, about 2 km south of Temuka. The rūnanga’s pepeha names both rivers: Ko Te Umu Kaha, ko Ōpihi ngā awa. Māori travelling between the Ōpihi mouth and Arowhenua crossed the river near the present railway bridge.
Temuka Domain, beside the river, is the district’s largest urban park at nearly 75 hectares, with a holiday park, playground and walks. The Ōpihi itself is covered in our Ōpihi River fishing guide.
How to Fish the Temuka River
Where and when
Fish & Game names SH1, SH72 and Te Awa Road as the favoured access points for the Temuka and Waihī system. Start at the SH1 bridge by Temuka Domain and walk the river margins.
The season opens on 1 October, and opening day can be busy, with anglers at every bend. In low water, look for fish holding on drop-offs and in the deep water under the willows.
Once winter floods have cleaned the gravels, the water clears and sight fishing becomes possible. A Fish & Game report noted that a small rise of a cumec or two after overnight rain left the river clear and put the fish on the feed. In midsummer the flows are low and clear, and the fish are easily spooked.
What to use
- Nymphs: small tungsten bead-head pheasant tails in sizes 14 and 16 have worked well, fished on a long leader ending in about a metre of 5 lb fluorocarbon. Fish & Game’s report found that taking the indicator off helped with wary fish.
- Dry flies: mayfly imitations for rising fish, as across the Ōpihi system.
- Spinning and bait: both are allowed on the Temuka. Keep lures small in low, clear water.
- Flounder: anglers have reported the odd flounder in the lower river while trout fishing.
Fishing in low water
In summer, stealth matters more than fly choice: move slowly, keep low and use fine tippets.
Getting There and Facilities
- Getting there: Temuka is about 17 km north of Timaru on SH1. The SH1 bridge is beside Temuka Domain.
- Toilets: in Temuka Domain, near the playground.
- Parking: park in public areas, not in farm gateways.
- Private land: stay within the river margins and respect private property. Fish & Game’s access etiquette for the Ōpihi system also asks anglers to leave dogs and guns at home and not to camp at access points.
- Dogs: banned in part of Temuka Domain and in the Temuka motor camp.
Rules and Safety
- Fish & Game Central South Island regulations apply. The Temuka River / Te Umu Kaha and its tributaries are open from 1 October to 30 April to fly, spinning and bait. You need a Fish & Game licence and must carry it.
- Salmon fishing on the Temuka needs a sea-run salmon licence and a season bag card, and there are night-time limits on salmon fishing in this region. Check the regulations for limits.
- Felt-soled waders are banned in the region. Check, Clean, Dry your gear between rivers to stop the spread of didymo.
- Toxic algae can build up in summer. Health New Zealand issued a warning for the Temuka River at the SH1 bridge in January 2024. Check LAWA before fishing in summer and keep dogs away from the water.
- The river floods quickly after heavy rain in its catchment. Stay out of the water when it is rising or discoloured.
Tackle and Licences Nearby
- Hunting & Fishing Timaru, Unit 1, The Landings, 50 Theodosia Street, Timaru: flies, lures, waders and licences.
- Fish & Game Central South Island, 32 Richard Pearse Drive, Temuka: the regional office, for regulations and access advice.
Helpful Resources
Fish & Game Central South Island regulations 2026/27: seasons, methods and limits for the Temuka and its tributaries.
Environment Canterbury: Temuka River at Manse Bridge: the river’s flow right now.
LAWA: Temuka River at Manse Bridge: flow records and any algae advisories.
Common Questions
What fish are in the Temuka River?
Brown trout. Salmon are covered by the regulations, and anglers have reported the odd flounder in the lower river.
When is the Temuka River open?
From 1 October to 30 April under the Fish & Game Central South Island regulations.
Where can I get on the river?
The SH1 bridge beside Temuka Domain is the easiest spot. Fish & Game also names SH72 and Te Awa Road for the Temuka and Waihī system.
Can I use bait?
Yes. Fly, spinning and bait are all allowed on the Temuka and its tributaries.
What flies work?
Small bead-head pheasant tail nymphs in sizes 14 and 16 on fine fluorocarbon, and mayfly dries when fish are rising.
Do I need a licence?
Yes. You need a Fish & Game licence for trout, plus a sea-run salmon licence and bag card to fish for salmon.
Is the water safe for dogs?
Toxic algae can build up in summer. Check LAWA before letting a dog near the water.
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