Last updated October 2026
The Hinemaiaia River flows into the eastern side of Lake Taupō at Hatepe, just off State Highway 1 between Taupō and Tūrangi. It holds brown and rainbow trout, with larger fish coming up from the lake in autumn and winter.
The river below the lower dam is fly fishing only, and its seasons change from reach to reach, so read the boundaries before you fish. You need a Taupō fishing licence from DOC.
At a Glance
- Location
- Hatepe, off SH1, between Taupō and Tūrangi
- Type
- River with three hydro stations; the lake mouth has its own guide
- Main species
- Brown and rainbow trout
- Method
- Fly only below the lower dam; fly or spin above it
- Season
- Lake to the first sign: open all year. Higher reaches: 1 December to 31 May
- Best time
- Autumn and winter for fish running from the lake
- Licence
- Taupō fishing licence from DOC (online)
- Boats
- No fishing from a boat between the lake and the lower dam
- Tides
- None
- Suits
- Anglers comfortable on steep tracks and around snags
No tides. Hydro flows are steady, but they can surge when the dam overflows after heavy rain.
What to Expect
The Hinemaiaia drains the western edge of Kaimanawa Forest Park and runs about 22 km to the lake. It is also called the Hatepe River. Manawa Energy operates three small power stations on it, built between 1952 and 1982.
Flows are steadied by the hydro scheme, and DOC describes the river as often fishable when other rivers are dirty. The first dam blocks fish moving upstream, so winter fishing is limited to the lower river. Manawa Energy also runs a trout trap and transfer programme that releases fish above the dam each year.
This guide covers the river. The lake edge at the mouth has its own rules and is covered in our Hinemaiaia mouth guide.
How to Fish the Hinemaiaia River
Reaches and seasons
The Anglers Notice for Taupō District 2026 splits the river into reaches. From the lake to a sign about halfway between the SH1 bridge and the lower dam it is open all year, fly only.
From that sign to a sign about 300 m below the lower powerhouse it is open 1 December to 31 May, fly only. The bypass channel is closed at all times. Upstream of the lower dam the season is 1 December to 31 May and you may fish fly or spin.
Methods and flies
- Nymphing: DOC says this is the most popular method. Globugs, White Caddis, Halfbacks, Hare and Copper and Pheasant Tail are named by NZFishing.
- Wet fly: works best in the runs just above the mouth. Red Setters, rabbit patterns and Parson’s Glory are popular.
- Dry fly: suits summer fish, with cicada and Coch-y-Bondu patterns.
Tackle
A 5 to 7 weight rod suits nymphing. DOC notes that anglers often use an 8 weight in early winter for big rainbows, to keep fish out of the snags.
Rules and Safety
- Licence: a Taupō fishing licence from DOC is required, bought online at doc.govt.nz/fishinglicence.
- Rule set: the Anglers Notice for Taupō District 2026 and the Taupō Fishery Regulations 2004 set the seasons, limits and hours. Check them before you fish.
- Boats: fishing from a boat is not allowed between the lake and the lower dam.
- Snags: flood debris and bankside trees along the whole river.
- Banks and tracks: erosion in the middle reaches, and high banks with steep steps on some tracks.
- Flows: flows can surge when the dam overflows after heavy rain.
Getting There and Facilities
- Lower river: Rereahu Avenue turns off SH1 about 350 m south of the bridge, with lanes and tracks to both banks.
- Middle river: DOC says you can drive upstream from SH1 along the access road to the dam, with parking areas that link to riverside tracks.
- Services: Hatepe is a small settlement. Buy tackle and food in Taupō or Tūrangi before you go.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Taupo Rod & Tackle, 4 Tamamutu Street, Taupō, sells fly and conventional gear.
- Sporting Life, Tūrangi Town Centre, has been trading in Tūrangi since 1968 and has a guided fly fishing section.
Official Sources for The Hinemaiaia River
DOC Taupō fishery rules: the current rules, hours and licence information.
DOC Hinemaiaia River: access, methods and hazards.
Anglers Notice for Taupō District 2026: the official seasons, fly-only waters and closures.
Common Questions
Do I need a licence?
Yes, a Taupō fishing licence from DOC. It is bought online at doc.govt.nz/fishinglicence, and a standard sports fishing licence does not cover the Taupō fishery.
Is the Hinemaiaia fly fishing only?
Below the lower dam, yes. Above the lower dam you may fish fly or spin.
When is the river open?
The lowest reach is open all year. The next reach and the water above the lower dam are open 1 December to 31 May, and the bypass channel is closed all year.
Can I fish from a boat?
No, not between the lake and the lower dam.
Why is winter fishing limited to the lower river?
The first hydro station blocks fish from moving further upstream, and the higher reaches are closed from 1 June to 30 November.
Which flies are popular?
Nymphs such as Globugs and Hare and Copper, wets such as Red Setters, and cicada patterns on top in summer.
Is the river clear after rain?
DOC describes it as often fishable when other rivers are dirty, because flows are held steady by the hydro scheme. Flows can still surge when the dam overflows.
Where is the river mouth guide?
The mouth is on Lake Taupō and has its own fly-only rule within 200 m of the landmark posts. See the Hinemaiaia mouth guide linked above.
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