Fisheries > Rotorua Lakes District

Whatever your level of angling experience and skill, the Rotorua Lakes district offers a wide range of trout fishing opportunities. There are always fish biting somewhere in the district. Many of the thirteen lakes in the area are world renowned for the quality and size of the trout they produce. Stream fishing through the centre of Rotorua, chances to catch once-in-a-lifetime trophy fish, and waters among the most scenic in New Zealand mean that there are endless experiences available to anglers. Rainbow trout are the predominant fish in most of the lakes, but Brown trout, Tiger trout, and Brook trout are also present. The Rotorua Lakes provide excellent fishing for both first timers and experienced anglers, all within 40 minutes drive of Rotorua.

Most of the Rotorua lakes are easily accessible. Simple road maps show all the lakes, and angler access signs will direct anglers to more specific fishing areas. The lakes provide excellent fishing for both first-timers and experienced anglers, all within 40 minutes’ drive of Rotorua City. Access and fishing techniques for Lake Rotorua are covered in more detail in the Lake Rotorua information pamphlet.

Lake Rotoiti

One of the gems of the Eastern Region fishery, Lake Rotoiti produces very good fish often in excess of the magical 4.5kg mark. Trolling and harling over the weed beds provides anglers with some good sport when trout are feeding on the surface. In the early season try a Green Orbit fly, and later in the summer flies and lures predominantly yellow in colour work well. Jigging is also popular and effective. The northern shoreline of Rotoiti can produce good fish to the jig and deep trolled line or downrigger. Using a sounder, and a small yellow and green or grey jig, anglers may catch fish in excellent condition. Ruato Bay, and the Dump and Pipe at Hinehopu are productive for fly fishing in the winter. Try and fish the rip at the small streams with a floating or intermediate line and doll flies or night time patterns after dark. If angling pressure is heavy try moving well away from the crowd as this can often produce good results.

Ohau Channel

This channel links Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti. It is open from October until June to fly fishing only. In spring and early summer there is a good smelt run through the channel and smelt flies and Dorothy patterns can catch large numbers of trout. The most popular area is at the Rotorua end of the channel, next to the weir and the camp.

Lake Rotoehu

Although the fish in this lake are not as big as the larger lakes, it can be more productive. Shallow trolling or harling off the weed beds with fitch patterns or silver possum flies gives the best results.

Lake Rotoma

Lake Rotoma has the potential to produce high quality fish to trolling and shore based fly casters. Because the water is so clear, a trace of 10 metres is recommended for trolling or harling. Rotoma is the only lake in the Eastern Region where tiger trout are released. Harling a large rabbit pattern at the change of light may prove successful in taking one of these brown/brook crosses.

Lake Okareka

Only 10 minutes drive from the centre of Rotorua, Lake Okareka offers good fly fishing at the stream at Boyes Beach and the ski club in autumn. Boat fishing is often productive, with the advantage that this lake is sheltered. Lake Okareka is open all year round. Boat launching facilities exist at Acacia Bay.

Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake)

Lake Tikitapu has an all weather boat ramp at the main beach. Harling and shoreline fishing are the most productive. Lake Tikitapu also contains a remnant stock of brook trout so keep an eye out for these attractive fish. The western end of the main beach provides extremely good fly fishing during heavy rain. Try booby type flies slowly retrieved. There is an ideal walking track around the lake, which leads to a number of serene shoreline sites.

Lake Rotokakahi (Green Lake)

As Lake Rotokakahi is privately owned, it is not available for public angling.

Lake Rotomahana

Access to Rotomahana is via Rotoehu Forest from Waimangu Valley Loop Road. A forestry permit is required, and is available from the Fletcher Forest Information Centre in Long Mile Drive. Due to the volcanic nature of the lake the trout have a high mercury content and it is cautioned that consumption of high numbers of these trout should be avoided.

Lake Rerewhakaaitu

This is a relatively shallow lake and is accessed off S.H. 38, with the best boat ramp in the Homestead arm off Brett Road. The best fishing is during the summer with quality fish around 2kg common. Shallow trolling or harling along the weed beds with a sinking fly line are recommended. Shoreline fly casting in the littoral areas also successfully takes trout. Smelt type flies, Ms Simpsons and Red Rabbits are favoured, but weighted nymphs and spinning may also work well.

Lake Okaro

A very under-utilised lake as far as fishing goes. Okaro will offer good shoreline fishing, both fly and spinner. It is especially suitable for small boats and float tubes.

Lakes Ngahewa and Ngapouri

Both are suitable for small boat fishing and float tubes only. Frequently fished very early in the season. These small lakes are worth checking, as they may provide some surprises.