Fisheries > Te Uruwera / East Coast Fisheries

A number of spectacularly scenic and exciting fisheries are available on the eastern side of the region and the trip to the area is well worth it. Bush clad lake and river fishing is the main feature along with a variety of opportunities to catch some large trout in special places.

Lake Waikaremoana

Lake Waikaremoana is made up of two distinct fisheries - the shoreline brown trout and the trolling rainbow trout fishery. Excellent fly fishing from the shore and the skill involved in stalking the large brown trout that cruise the shallows entice a number of anglers to the lake. The Waikaremoana fishery is covered in detail in its own informational pamphlet which gives further insights into fishing methods and secluded spots to get away from it all. Waikaremoana is accessed from SH 38 and there are a number of access points and boat ramps from turnoffs as the road winds around the side of the lake.

Lake Waikareiti

Lake Waikareiti lies to the north west of Lake Waikaremoana. It is accessed by a walking track starting approximately 400m from the DOC Aniwaniwa Visitors centre on the Rotorua - Waikaremoana Road (S.H. 38). The walk to the lake is definitely worth the effort for the opportunity to fish in pristine surroundings and the rewarding wild rainbow trout that the lake offers. Trolling from dinghies or fly fishing from a drifting boat are the most popular methods. Summer months are the best time for shoreline fly fishing, and Sandy Bay is an ideal location.

Lake Whakamarino

Several double figure fish (4.45 kilograms and over) are caught from Lake Whakamarino each season. The lake is also known as Tuai Lake, and is on S.H. 38 just past Waikaremoana towards Wairoa. Very large trout, up to 12.5 kilograms, have earned this fishery its trophy reputation. Shoreline angling and fly fishing from an anchored boat are both popular. No motorised craft are allowed on Lake Whakamarino.

Lake Kaitawa

Motorised craft are not permitted on Lake Kaitawa, but it is possible to hand launch dinghies. Casting a fly from an anchored boat is often successful, particularly from October to February.

Ruakituri River

The Ruakituri River is an internationally renown fishery, holding good numbers of both brown and rainbow trout. A classic feature of Ruakituri fish is their extremely strong fighting abilities. Some very large fish are caught in this river each year and most average around 2 to 3 kg. A full access pamphlet is availabale. General access to the lower and mid reaches of the river is from Ruakituri Road off SH 36. Papuni Road also provides access to some higher mid-reaches and access to the headwaters. The river above Waitangi falls is in Te Urewera National Park. Access to the park is via the formed paper road. As it is necessary to cross Papuni Station, anglers should advise the station manager.

Waiau River

The Waiau River drains out of the south-eastern corner of Te Urewera National Park and into the Wairoa system. The headwaters of the Waiau supports healthy populations of both brown and rainbow trout with some very high catch rates of fish in the 1 to 2.5kg range. The wilderness setting makes it a beautiful river to fish and summer dry fly and nymph fishing can be very productive. The lower river is accessed from S.H. 38 and spinning is the best method. The middle reaches are reached from Putere Rd off S.H. 2 and again spinning and wet fly are best. The upper reaches are the real gem although access is difficult, via either long tramps from the Te Urewera Park end (S.H. 38) or Maungataniwha.