The Kuratau River mouth is located on the western shore of Lake Taupō, where the Kuratau River enters the lake near the small settlement of Kuratau. Like the other Lake Taupō river mouths, it forms a productive rip fishery where trout congregate in the mixing zone of river and lake water — but its position on the remote western shore means it sees far less angling pressure than the eastern shore rips accessible from SH1.
Practical Information
| Location | Western shore of Lake Taupō, Kuratau settlement — approximately 75 km from Taupō town |
| Licence required | Yes — Taupō special licence from DOC |
| Method | Fly fishing only within 200m of the river mouth |
| Fish species | Rainbow trout; brown trout |
| Angling pressure | Low — western shore remote, fewer visiting anglers than eastern shore |
| Access | Via Mangakino to Kuratau settlement; approximately 75 km from Taupō via Mangakino |
The Mouth Fishery
The Kuratau mouth operates on the same principle as other Lake Taupō rips. Where the river current meets the lake, a current seam forms — this is where trout hold and feed, particularly in summer when rising lake temperatures push fish toward the cooler tributary flows. The Kuratau mouth is specifically mentioned by NZ Fishing as one of the productive rip fishing spots on the lake alongside the Waitahanui, Hinemaiaia, Tauranga-Taupō, and Waihaha mouths.
The western shore’s remoteness works in the angler’s favour at the Kuratau mouth. The fish here see fewer anglers than at the more accessible eastern shore rips, and the experience of fishing the western lake has a wilder, quieter character. Boat access (from Taupō or from the western shore itself) makes the Kuratau mouth reachable in reasonable time.
In summer, as the lake surface temperature rises and trout seek out the cooler, well-oxygenated water flowing in from tributaries, the Kuratau mouth can fish very well indeed. Brown trout also feature alongside the rainbows — large fish that move toward the Kuratau catchment in autumn before running. The mouth fishes best from a wading position at the current seam, casting into the zone where river and lake meet.
Where to Learn More
NZ Fishing – Lake Taupō Stream and River Mouths — guide to rip fishing at all the productive stream and river mouths around Lake Taupō.
DOC – Taupō Trout Fishery — licence information, regulations, and fishing overview for the Taupō district.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kuratau River mouth?
On the western shore of Lake Taupō at the settlement of Kuratau — approximately 75 km from Taupō town via Mangakino.
Is the Kuratau mouth busy with anglers?
No — the western shore is remote and sees far less angling pressure than the eastern shore rips. It is a quieter alternative to the Waitahanui or Hinemaiaia mouths.
Is fly fishing required at the Kuratau mouth?
Yes — within 200m of all Lake Taupō stream and river mouths, fly fishing is the only permitted method.
Can I also fish the Kuratau River upstream?
Yes — see the Kuratau River and Lake Kuratau guide for upstream options, including spin fishing on Lake Kuratau.
The Kuratau mouth is on the western shore of Lake Taupō. See the Kuratau River and Lake Kuratau guide for upstream fishing, and the Taupō fishing hub for the full district overview.