Fishing

The Rotorua lakes are the central feature of the Eastern Bay region which offers diverse angler experiences, high catch rates and big fish. There is something for everyone in this fisher’s paradise!

You'll find a few fully licensed guides and vessels below who will take you to their favourite spots, or you can go it alone (but then who will be your witness of the one that got away?).
 
A family favourite, children 6-14 years old can learn to fly fish and catch a rainbow trout! Held at Ngongotaha Trout Hatchery on specified days between July and November. Bookings must be made in advance. 
 
Many lakes and rivers in our region can be fished year round; for others, the season is usually 1 October to 30 June, however some vary. Please refer to the North Island Sports Fishing Regulations for the appropriate year published annually by Fish & Game New Zealand.
 
Sports fishing throughout New Zealand requires a fishing license whether you are a New Zealand resident or a visitor from overseas.
 
Shoreline fly fishing and spin fishing can result in very good catch rates while boat fishing over the summer months provides action and fun for the whole family. Most of the Rotorua lakes lack suitable spawning rivers to sustain trout populations so supplementary stocking maintains high numbers for anglers.
 
Lake Rotorua is not stocked but has one of the highest catch rates in the district while Lake Ōkāreka also keeps anglers happy with high numbers of good quality fish.
 
Lakes Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoiti can produce trophy fish.
 
Lakes Rotoma and Rotoehu provide experiences for those wanting to get away from the crowds, and at Rotoma, the opportunity to chase tiger trout.
 
Lakes Rotomahana and Tikitapu also have their own special charm and local devotees, while Lake Rerewhakaaitu attracts shore-based anglers targeting deep bodied fish.

Lake Ohakuri, southwest of Rotorua, is a deep man-made lake holding a high population of rainbow and brown trout that can be caught by a variety of methods. It’s a popular lake but its size and shape means that there is plenty of space for the angler who wishes to get away from it all.
 
Smaller lakes with secluded bays and rising trout are there for the more adventurous anglers who want to “get off the beaten track”.

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Lake Rotoiti

Fishing

Lake Rotoiti is one of the three largest lakes in the Rotorua region. Surrounded by lush native bush, it also features glow worm caves and a secluded hot pool complex. 

Lake Ōkāreka

Fishing

One of the smaller lakes in the Rotorua region, Lake Ōkāreka remains off the beaten path, tucked away off the main road accessing lakes Tikitapu and Tarawera.

Fish & Game Eastern Region

Fishing

Fish & Game Eastern Region manages the trout fishery of the region including the world-famous Rotorua lakes.

Lake Rotomā

Fishing

Lake Rotomā means "lake of exceptionally clear water". The lake currently has the best water quality of all the Rotorua lakes.

Rotorua Trout Guide - Guided Fly Fishing

Fishing

Rotorua fly fishing guide Julian Danby showcases the best fishing locations found in the Rotorua Lakes District. 

Lake Rerewhakaaitu

Fishing, South

Camping, picnicking, swimming and boating are all popular recreational activities at Lake Rerewhakaaitu Recreational Reserve.

Lake Rotorua

Fishing

The largest of our region’s lakes, Rotorua is a volcanic caldera, formed from the crater of a large volcano.

Lake Atiamuri

Fishing, West

When Lake Atiamuri is first seen, the water appears to be almost black although it is in fact clean and has good visibility.

Lake Tarawera

Fishing

One of the largest lakes in New Zealand, the picturesque Lake Tarawera (meaning ‘burnt spear’), is a firm favourite with boaties, and famous for the size and condition of its rainbow trout.

Lake Tikitapu

Fishing, East

Lake Tikitapu, affectionately known as Blue Lake, is a local favourite and well known to regular visitors to Rotorua.

Lake Ohakuri

Fishing, West

Lake Ohakuri, southwest of Rotorua, is the largest artificial lake of the Waikato River system.

Lake Rotoehu

Fishing

Rotoehu means "turbid" or discoloured waters.