The Whau Valley Reservoir is a freshwater trout fishery west of Kensington in Whangārei, formed by the Whau Valley Dam on the Waiarohia Stream and its tributaries. The dam was commissioned in 1967 as part of the region’s water supply infrastructure, and the reservoir has since been managed as a stocked trout fishery by Fish & Game Northland. Rainbow trout are stocked annually, with some brown trout also present. All fishing is shore-based — no boats are permitted on the water — and a Fish & Game licence is required.
Practical Information
| Location | Whau Valley, west of Kensington, Whangārei |
| Water body | Whau Valley Reservoir (Whau Valley Dam on the Waiarohia Stream) |
| Species | Rainbow trout (stocked annually); brown trout also present |
| Stocking rate | Approx. 300 rainbow trout per year |
| Boat access | No boats permitted on the reservoir |
| Fishing method | Shore-based only; sinking line, wet flies, bait |
| Licence required | Yes — Fish & Game Northland freshwater licence |
| Cost | Licence fee applies; no separate entry fee |
About Whau Valley Reservoir Fishing
Whau Valley Reservoir is one of the few accessible trout fisheries close to Whangarei city, sitting in the valley of the same name to the west of the Kensington area. The reservoir was formed when the Whau Valley Dam was built across the Waiarohia Stream in 1967 — originally purely as a water supply asset — and it now holds a storage capacity of around 1.87 million cubic metres.
Fish & Game Northland manages the reservoir as a stocked trout fishery, releasing approximately 300 rainbow trout annually. Rainbows are the primary target for anglers visiting the reservoir. Brown trout are also present — residual from earlier stocking programmes — and have established a self-sustaining population to some degree. Browns tend to grow larger than the stocked rainbows but are less predictable to locate.
All fishing at Whau Valley Reservoir is from the shore. Boats are not permitted on the water, which means anglers work the accessible sections of the bank, targeting fish that are within casting range. A sinking line is reported to produce good results, along with wet flies and bait. Water level fluctuations affect where fish can be found — the reservoir’s levels are managed based on demand for the city’s water supply, so conditions can change between visits.
A Fish & Game Northland freshwater licence is required to fish the reservoir. These can be purchased online via the Fish & Game website or from local tackle shops. Season dates and regulations apply — check the current rules before fishing.
Fishing Conditions and What to Expect
Whau Valley Reservoir is considered a challenging fishery by Northland standards. The primary difficulty is water level variability — because the reservoir functions as a working water supply asset, levels can drop or rise depending on seasonal demand, which changes both where the fish sit and how accessible the bank is. Anglers who visit during periods of stable or higher water levels tend to find more consistent results.
Rainbow trout at the reservoir are readily taken on wet flies and bait. The stocked fish are typically hungry and respond well to standard trout fishing approaches. Fly fishing with a sinking line gives good coverage of the water column, which is important when fish are not rising or sitting in shallows. Morning and evening sessions generally produce better results than midday fishing during warmer months.
Brown trout in the reservoir are more wary and harder to target deliberately, but they grow to a useful size and are worth pursuing for anglers with more patience and experience. They tend to hold in deeper or more sheltered sections of the reservoir.
Licences and Regulations
A Fish & Game Northland freshwater licence is required for all anglers at Whau Valley Reservoir. Licences are available online at the Fish & Game website and from some local fishing retailers. Season dates, bag limits, and size limits are set by Fish & Game Northland and may be updated annually — always check the current regulations before visiting. Whau Valley Reservoir falls within the Northland Fish & Game region, which has specific rules that may differ from other regions in New Zealand.
Where to Learn More
The official Fish & Game Northland guide to freshwater fishing locations and access in the region, including reservoir and lake fisheries. The place to check current regulations and licence requirements.
Angler guide to the Whau Valley Dam fishery with notes on species, access, fishing methods, and conditions to expect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Whau Valley Reservoir?
Whau Valley Reservoir is west of Kensington in Whangārei, in the Whau Valley. It is formed by the Whau Valley Dam on the Waiarohia Stream.
What fish are in Whau Valley Reservoir?
Rainbow trout are stocked annually (approximately 300 per year). Brown trout are also present from earlier releases and have established a self-sustaining presence.
Do you need a licence to fish Whau Valley Reservoir?
Yes — a Fish & Game Northland freshwater licence is required. Licences can be purchased online via the Fish & Game website or from local tackle shops.
Can you use a boat at Whau Valley Reservoir?
No — boats are not permitted on the reservoir. All fishing must be done from the shore.
What methods work at Whau Valley Reservoir?
Sinking line fly fishing, wet flies, and bait are reported to produce good results. Rainbows are the more active target; browns are harder to find but grow larger.
Why do water levels affect fishing at Whau Valley Reservoir?
The reservoir is a working water supply asset for Whangarei. Levels are managed based on demand, which can fluctuate seasonally. Lower water levels reduce accessible bank area and can concentrate fish in unpredictable locations.
When is the best time to fish Whau Valley Reservoir?
Early morning and evening sessions tend to be more productive, particularly during warmer months. Conditions during periods of stable or higher water levels are generally better.
Whau Valley Reservoir is one of several freshwater and saltwater fishing options around Whangarei — see the fishing in Whangarei hub for the full overview. For saltwater options, see Whangarei Harbour fishing or Ngunguru Estuary fishing.