Fishing Knowledge Hub

Many of these lakes support strong populations of trout and, in some cases, salmon. 

In most regions, there are lake fisheries open to fishing year-round, providing consistent angling opportunities throughout the year. In many cases, lakes can be effectively fished from the shore. However, in larger systems, boats can be particularly useful, opening up access to more fishing areas and allowing anglers to use methods such as trolling and jigging. 

Small rain-fed streams are often the first waterways to clear after rainfall, while spring creeks typically remain clear and stable regardless of weather conditions. These environments can offer excellent sight-fishing opportunities, often with easy wading. Despite their size, some small streams can hold surprising numbers of fish, including large trout, and can provide a highly rewarding fishing experience. 

With constantly changing conditions influenced by tides, salinity, and food movement, these are highly dynamic and interesting environments to fish. Tidal movements are particularly important, with incoming tides often bringing marine baitfish into the system. The marine influence and abundance of high-quality food, including small fish and crustaceans, can support large estuarine and sea run brown trout. In some areas in the South Island, river mouths are also popular locations for targeting Chinook salmon as they seek to enter freshwater to begin their spawning migration.  

These systems often provide very accessible fishing making them well suited to beginners and anglers with limited mobility. In particular, the Mackenzie hydro canals are a world famous fishery known for producing very large trout and offer a unique fishing experience.  

These fisheries are periodically stocked with hatchery-reared trout or salmon to provide consistent and accessible fishing opportunities. 

Put-and-take fisheries are often located close to population centres, making them an ideal option for anglers looking to fish close to home or for those new to the pursuit. They are also commonly used for organised children’s events and introductory fishing experiences. 

Please keep in mind that some put-and-take fisheries are designated specifically for children and junior anglers (under 18). These junior fisheries are identified in the regulations booklet.    

Fish & Game's easiest access points with good numbers of trout in these locations.

Click on the location name for a map and directions. The link will open in Google maps.

Northland

• Whau Valley Dam The Whau Valley Dam is stocked annually with rainbows. There is also a self-sustaining population of brown trout. The dam wall is very productive. 

Auckland / Waikato

• Lake Arapuni is one of the Waikato River hydro lakes. Jones Landing is a great fishing spot for kids that has good numbers of fish. Also, Bulmer Landing and the DOC campsite are also great spots.
• Lake Moana-nui has ample access on the public walkway. The lake is stocked annually with rainbow trout which can grow to 2.5 kg. This is a great location to fish with kids. 
• Lake Pupuke is easy to access and provides good fishing. Spinning with 10g lures is a good choice or fly fish with a floating line to stay above the weed bed.  
• Lake Ngaroto Good rudd fishing and ideal for kids with pull up access. Use small floats and corn
• Little Waipa Domain Popular camp site with a boat ramp next to the river. Trout congregate near the mouth of the Little Waipa River during the summer. This site also has an abundance of rudd. 

Taranaki

• Waiwhakaiho River The lower reaches of New Plymouth’s closest river provide fishing for good-sized brown trout using nymph, dry fly and spin fishing techniques. 
• Waiwhakaiho River Merrilands Domain (Audrey Gale Reserve) provides access to a number of large, deep pools. There is plenty of parking and toilet facilities are available. Be mindful that the gate is locked in the evenings. 
• Manganui River holds moderate numbers of brown trout up to 2.5kg. Nymph and bait fishing with creeper and worm are favoured, although spin fishing can also be productive. 
• Upper Patea River provides good fishing for brown trout and in recent years rainbow trout have established from releases of hatchery fish. There is good river access within King Edward Park and Carrington Walkway.
• Manganuioteao River is a nationally significant fishery for brown and rainbow trout. There are always easy to access, undisturbed fishing spots to be found  for all angling methods and levels of skill. 

Eastern

• Hamurana Stream mouth fishes well during summer. A floating line and small Woolly Bugger, smelt fly or small dark nymph fished under an indicator work well. Spin fishing is permitted. No fishing above the road bridge.  
• Lake Rotoiti Ruato Bay is open to fishing all year. Best times are between April and August. Ruato fishes well after dark with a floating line and small wet flies, boobies or lumo doll flies.   
• Lake Rotoiti The Pipe is a popular shoreline fishing location that provides winter fishing for spawning rainbows with Boobies and Glo bug flies. Autumn and spring offer opportunities for with smelt patterns.
• Lake Okataina Winter shoreline fishing area between the landmark poles is open 1 October to 30 September. Fishing can be productive autumn through winter to early spring. Best methods include fly fishing with wet flies or spinners.
• Lake Tarawera The Landing provides shoreline fishing with ample parking and toilet facilities. The Te Wairoa and Orchard Stream mouths can also be accessed on foot from here. It is world renowned for the quality of its rainbow trout. 

Hawke's Bay

• Lake Tutira This lake is the most popular lake fishery in the Hawke's Bay Region with excellent fishing. Good shore fishing and row boats and kayaks are permitted. Trout are regularly liberated into the lake. 
• Tutaekuri River Dartmoor Rd has Hawke's Bay Regional council access both up and downstream and holds good numbers of fish throughout the year. The river is a series of deep holes and long runs often bounded by willow trees. 
• Tukituki River Waimarama road bridge. Wildlife refuge upstream of the bridge so no dogs are permitted. The river flows through a braided channel and is a mixture of pools and long runs that is suited to both fly and spin fishing. 
• Tukituki River Waipawa, This is the confluence of the Waipawa and Tukituki River, locally known as the Breakwater. This is a very good fishery providing excellent fishing conditions throughout most of the season.
• Mohaka River Glenfalls. Good access both up and downstream, holds good numbers of Brown and Rainbow Trout. DOC campsites and toilet facilities.  Fish & Game have a hut available to licence holders - contact the Napier office.

Wellington

• Rangitikei River Vinegar Hill Campsite. Spin fishing is very popular, particularly with “Veltics”, “Dandy’s”, “Rapala’s” and “Z” spinners. Fly-fishing, with either wet-fly or nymph, fished at the feeding depth of the fish.
• Ruamahunga River The Cliffs is primarily a brown trout fishery, although increasing numbers of both perch and rainbow trout are being taken by anglers. Bait fishing comes into its own here.
• Hutt River Access is easy with riverside parks or access tracks along most of its length. In general anglers’ fly fish “blind” and cover the water rather than fish to sighted fish. Spinning or wet fly fishing is also popular. 
• Fishing the Hutt
• Mangatainoka River It has about 50km of fishable water with numerous roads leading to the river off SH2, where anglers will discover the amazing number of bridges (13) which provide easy access to most of the river. 
• Otaki River All fishing methods are successful under most river conditions. During summer, spin and bait fishing is best focused on the faster runs and heads of pools. 
• Please select link to view video: Fishing the greatest little capital 
• Click here for South Island access points

Nelson / Marlborough

• Lake Argyle This lake is one of the most popular trout fisheries in the Nelson Marlborough Region attracting anglers with its easy accessibility and good catch rates.
• Lake Argyle tips
• Wairau River Great access point to fish the lower hydro canal, the Wairau River, or even the Goulter River (requires fording of Wairau on foot during low flows). 
• Rai River Annual releases of large rainbow trout in this river (at this point). If you catch a tagged fish please report to Fish & Game 03 544 6382
• Motueka River MacLeans Reserve provides fishing adjacent to the camping area. There are multiple access points on this river and you can click here to view all the details in a PDF. 

West Coast

• Lake Brunner is the most popular and productive fishery on the West Coast. productive. Bait fishing, especially following heavy rain where creeks and rivers enter the lake is excellent. 
• Arnold River exits Lake Brunner before joining the Grey River 15kms from Greymouth at Stillwater. It holds a high population of medium sized brown trout and is usually fishable in all but extreme flows. 
• Grey River Excellent access from roads on both sides up to Ikamatua. Spin fishing is popular along the mid and lower Grey River. During the early season bait fishing is very productive in the lower reaches. 
• Mawheraiti River This is a Grey tributary joining at Ikamatua (between Greymouth and Reefton). The Mawheraiti is a smallish tea coloured stream usually holding good numbers of medium sized trout.
• Mahinapua Creek/Hokitika River lagoon The best access is via Golf Links Road. Good early season tidal water for sea-run browns, especially when main river is in flood. Large perch inhabit the creek above tidal reach.
  

North Canterbury

• Lake Lyndon Access to the lake is excellent and good catches of rainbow and brown trout can be had. In the past the lake has tended to hold large numbers of smaller fish. Today there appear to be fewer, but larger fish.
• Waimakariri River Dickeys Road. Stalk trout during the day and target large pools at night with streamer flies. Below Dickeys Road there is a good walking track beside the river that trout can be spotted from.
• Waimakariri River The mouth can be accessed on the north side through the Kairaki settlement. The mouth opens into a big tidal bay that is renowned for its excellent salmon runs in summer.
• Rakaia River Dobbins Ford. Generally fished for salmon, but has sea-run brown trout in the lower reaches and resident rainbow  and brown trout upstream. Good runs of salmon from November to March. 
• Lake Georgina Most anglers wade out and fish the deeper parts of the lake near the public toilet. Best fished early in the morning.

Central South Island

• Lake Opuha Multiple access options, shore fishing and formed boat ramps at Bennets and Hays Roads. The North and South Opuha rivers are the lakes main source of water and offer small river fishing options.
• Lake Tekapo Trout and salmon fishing with breath-taking views of the Southern Alps. Target the stream mouths. Spin anglers should try casting silver lures like hex wobblers and ticers around 14 grams. 
• Lake Hood A park-like lake offering great perch fishing and the chance to catch brown and rainbow trout. Just a quick detour from State Highway 1.
• Tekapo Canal Road-side access and all legal methods are permitted. It is renowned for its scenic setting and trophy trout. The canal has brown and rainbow trout of all sizes with many reaching over 4kg and a few over 15kg. 
• Pukaki Canal This Canal provides relaxing road-side access and all legal methods are permitted. The canal supports brown and rainbow trout of all sizes with many reaching over 4kg. 

Otago

• Lake Wanaka Spin fishers are advised to use light tackle and most prefer green-coloured lures. Brown trout are opportunists and will often take advantage of easy prey where tributaries - large or small - enter the lake. 
• Lake Dunstan Public access is available to most parts of the lake.  The entire eastern shoreline of the Dunstan and Clutha Arms is easily accessed from SH8.  The Clutha Arm is the most productive part of the Lake Dunstan fishery and can also be accessed directly off SH6 (Wanaka – Queenstown), and through Pisa Moorings, Smiths Way and Amisfield.
• Coalpit Dam has been consistently stocked by Fish and Game over the years is home to both rainbow and brown trout. It often gets an influx of trout from draining the water race in April. 
• Southern Reservoir There are some shallow areas around the western bank, where trout can be spotted cruising. There is a bag limit of one fish per day and it is stocked with rainbow trout, but also contains a population of brown trout.
• Lake Waihola  Perch and brown trout can be caught from the shoreline on light spinning gear in this shallow lake. A walkway, playgrounds, public toilets and snack shops are nearby.

Southland

• Oreti River Easy access and good fish numbers. There are brown trout, redfin perch and at times, Chinook salmon. This section of river is tidal and fishes best on an incoming tide. 
• Lower Mataura River Easy access and very high fish numbers. Mayfly hatches  can occur throughout the day. Spin anglers should use Toby and bladed spinners. Soft baits can also work well.  
• Middle Mataura River There is easy vehicle access to the river and high fish numbers in this stretch.  The river is well suited for fly, spin and bait fishing. 
• Aparima River Good numbers of brown trout present. Free camping area near the bridge. Toby style lures work well, as do bladed spinners and soft baits of various colours.  
• Middle Oreti River In the middle reaches of the Oreti River near Winton, the river becomes semi-braided. There is great access at this point with good fish numbers. You can drive your vehicle right to the river. Brown trout are common and average 0.75kg in weight. Small numbers of large (up to 6 kg) Chinook salmon can be caught between December and March. For best results, anglers should target willow lined pools and the deep runs. Bladed spinners, soft baits and Rapala style lures all work well. There is great access at this point with good fish numbers. For best results, anglers should target willow lined pools and the deep runs. Bladed spinners, soft baits and Rapala style lures all work well.  

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