Fishing In Taupo

Reel in the Best Catches on Pristine Waters!

Our Guide to the Best Fishing Spots in Taupo

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Taupō, situated in New Zealand’s central North Island, is a premier destination for fishing enthusiasts, known for its pristine lakes, rivers, and abundance of trout. Offering a mix of tranquil lake fishing, challenging river angling, and rewarding fly-fishing spots, Taupō provides endless opportunities for anglers to experience some of the best fishing New Zealand has to offer. This guide explores top fishing spots in and around Taupō, detailing species you can expect to catch, peak fishing seasons, and essential tips for an unforgettable angling adventure.

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An Overview of these Taupō Fishing Spots


Lake Taupō: The Crown Jewel of Trout Fishing

Overview
As New Zealand’s largest lake, covering about 616 square kilometres, Lake Taupō is a world-renowned fishing destination. With crystal-clear waters, Lake Taupō is famous for its exceptional populations of rainbow trout and brown trout, drawing anglers from across the globe. Fishing in Lake Taupō is available all year, though specific locations within the lake yield better results depending on the season.

Key Locations

  • Waitahanui River Mouth: Known for its clear waters, this river mouth is ideal for fly-fishing, particularly in the early morning and late evening.
  • Tongariro River Delta: Located at the southern end of the lake, the delta is popular for its runs of rainbow and brown trout, offering excellent opportunities for both nymph and dry-fly fishing.
  • Acacia Bay: A go-to spot for boat fishing, Acacia Bay provides access to deeper waters where larger trout often gather.

Species to Target

  • Rainbow Trout: Abundant year-round, with peak season from October to April.
  • Brown Trout: Less common than rainbow trout but often larger; best targeted from May to September.

Tips

  • Trolling: Covering large lake areas by trolling is effective for locating active fish.
  • Jigging: Productive in summer when trout are deeper, using smelt imitations can bring great results.

Tongariro River: Legendary Fly-Fishing

Overview
The Tongariro River is famous for fly-fishing, particularly during the winter spawning season when rainbow trout move upstream. Known for its clear, cold waters and numerous pools, the Tongariro River provides prime spots for both nymphing and dry-fly fishing.

Key Locations

  • Major Jones Pool: One of the most popular pools on the Tongariro, this spot holds large numbers of trout, especially during spawning runs.
  • Admirals Pool: Offering deeper waters, this location is ideal for larger trout.
  • Bain Pool: Known for dry-fly fishing during summer, this pool attracts trout surface-feeding on insects.

Species to Target

  • Rainbow Trout: Dominant species, with peak runs in winter.
  • Brown Trout: Present year-round, with some of the larger catches during summer.

Tips

  • Nymphing: Using weighted nymphs helps reach deeper trout, especially in the river’s larger pools.
  • Dry-Fly Fishing: Effective in summer when trout are surface feeding; matching the local insect hatch can improve success.

Tauranga-Taupō River: A Winter Fishing Gem

Overview
South of Lake Taupō, the Tauranga-Taupō River is renowned for its winter trout runs, offering some of the best river fishing in the region. Anglers can expect strong rainbow trout runs as they make their way upstream for spawning.

Key Locations

  • Lower Reaches: Accessible and productive, especially during the peak winter spawning runs.
  • Middle Reaches: Featuring a mix of pools and riffles, this area is ideal for nymphing and occasional dry-fly fishing.
  • Upper Reaches: Requiring more effort to access, this section rewards anglers with quieter waters and often larger fish.

Species to Target

  • Rainbow Trout: Abundant in winter, especially in the lower and middle reaches.
  • Brown Trout: Less common but present in the upper stretches.

Tips

  • Approach Quietly: With clear water, the river requires a stealthy approach to avoid spooking fish.
  • Fly Selection: Using natural-colored nymphs and dry flies that resemble local insect life can increase catch rates.

Waitahanui River: Clear Waters and Trophy Trout

Overview
The Waitahanui River is known for its clear, spring-fed waters and large trout, making it a popular spot for experienced anglers looking for challenging fishing conditions. The clarity of the water makes sight fishing possible, adding to the river’s appeal.

Key Locations

  • The Picket Fence: A famous stretch near the river mouth where anglers line up during peak trout runs.
  • Middle Reaches: Offering a mix of pools and runs, the middle reaches are excellent for nymphing.
  • Upper Reaches: More secluded, these waters provide a peaceful setting for targeting larger, less pressured trout.

Species to Target

  • Rainbow Trout: The most common species, particularly during winter.
  • Brown Trout: Present year-round, with some impressive-sized fish often seen in clear water.

Tips

  • Sight Fishing: Use polarized sunglasses to spot fish in the clear water.
  • Light Tackle: Lighter lines and smaller flies are recommended to avoid spooking trout.

Lake Otamangakau: Tranquil Waters and Trophy Fish

Overview
Lake Otamangakau, a high-country lake near Taupō, offers a scenic and rewarding fishing experience for fly anglers. The lake is popular for its trophy-sized rainbow and brown trout, and it’s a top destination for fly fishing during summer months when trout feed on the surface.

Key Locations

  • Western Bays: Accessible by boat, these areas are known for holding large fish.
  • Southern End: Shallow waters ideal for wading, allowing anglers to target trout cruising close to shore.
  • Northern Flats: Known for productive summer fishing when trout are actively feeding on surface insects.

Species to Target

  • Rainbow Trout: Abundant, with fish over 10 pounds not uncommon.
  • Brown Trout: Occasionally caught and often trophy-sized.

Tips

  • Surface Lures: During summer, use dry flies or surface lures to match the hatching insects.
  • Stealth: Lake Otamangakau’s still waters make trout wary of movement; approach quietly and cast carefully.

Essential Tips for Fishing in Taupō

  • Licenses: A fishing license is required for all freshwater fishing in Taupō and the surrounding rivers.
  • Regulations: Familiarize yourself with size and catch limits, as well as any seasonal restrictions to protect the local fish populations.
  • Fishing Guides: For beginners or those unfamiliar with Taupō’s waters, hiring a local fishing guide can greatly enhance the experience.
  • Equipment: Fly fishing is a preferred method on Taupō’s rivers, while trolling and jigging work well in Lake Taupō.
  • Weather Awareness: Taupō’s weather can change quickly. Check the forecast before heading out, especially for lake fishing.

Conclusion

Taupō’s stunning natural beauty and abundant fish populations make it a premier fishing destination in New Zealand. From Lake Taupō’s renowned rainbow and brown trout to the legendary Tongariro River’s fly-fishing opportunities, anglers of all skill levels can find their perfect spot. Whether casting a line from a tranquil riverbank, trolling through Lake Taupō’s deep waters, or fly-fishing in crystal-clear mountain streams, Taupō offers an unforgettable experience for every angler.

Each fishing spot in Taupō provides something unique—challenging rivers for the seasoned angler, easy-access lakes for families, and trophy-sized fish for those seeking the ultimate prize. With the right gear, some patience, and respect for the environment, your fishing adventure in Taupō will not only be successful but also leave you with cherished memories of one of New Zealand’s most beautiful fishing destinations. So grab your rod, explore the waters, and experience Taupō’s world-class fishing firsthand.

Tides In Taupo

Find below all the information you need about tide times in Taupo. There is a nice graph along with the times of the high and low tides throughout the Taupo region.

Tides In Taupo

Tide times throughout the local region.