Last updated July 2026
The Kuratau River mouth lies on the western shore of Lake Taupō where the Kuratau River flows into the lake near the small settlement of Kuratau. It forms a productive rip fishery where trout gather in the mixing zone of river and lake water. Its remote western-shore position means it receives less angling pressure than the more accessible eastern-shore rips. The shallow delta allows safe wading and supports good fishing with floating lines or harling, especially during smelt runs, at change of light, and on dark nights.
Practical Information
| Location | Western shore of Lake Taupō near Kuratau settlement |
| Distance from Taupō town | Approximately 75 km via Mangakino |
| Licence required | Yes — Taupō fishing licence from the Department of Conservation |
| Method restrictions | Fly fishing only within 200 m of the river mouth (trolling and jigging prohibited in this zone) |
| Fish species | Rainbow trout and brown trout |
| Angling pressure | Low due to remote western-shore access |
| Access | Road via Mangakino to Kuratau settlement; boat access also possible from Taupō or western shore |
About the Kuratau River Mouth
The Kuratau River enters Lake Taupō across a shallow delta that is safe to wade. This creates a current seam where trout hold and feed, particularly when lake temperatures rise in summer and fish seek cooler tributary flows. The mouth fishes well during the day when smelt are running and excels at change of light or on dark nights.
Western-shore remoteness gives the Kuratau mouth a quieter character than eastern-shore spots such as the Waitahanui or Hinemaiaia mouths. Anglers willing to travel the extra distance often find less competition and a more wilderness-style experience.
Harling from a boat works effectively at the rip, while shore-based anglers use floating lines to target fish in the mixing zone. Brown trout appear alongside rainbows, with larger fish sometimes moving toward the catchment in autumn.
Regulations and Access
The Taupō Trout Fishery requires a specific licence issued by the Department of Conservation. Landmark posts with white, black and yellow rings mark the 200-metre fly-only zones at river mouths, where trolling and jigging are prohibited. Spin fishing is permitted on Lake Kuratau itself and in parts of the Kuratau River upstream of the hydro-electric dam, but the lake-mouth zone remains fly only.
Road access follows the route through Mangakino to the Kuratau settlement. Boat launching from Taupō or western-shore ramps provides an alternative for reaching the delta. Always check current regulations and lake levels before travel, as conditions can affect wading safety and fish location.
Where to Learn More
Department of Conservation – Taupō Trout Fishery: official licence information, rules, maps and regulations for the entire Taupō district.
NZ Fishing – Lake Taupō Stream and River Mouths: detailed descriptions of rip fishing at Kuratau and other Lake Taupō mouths.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Kuratau River mouth?
On the western shore of Lake Taupō at the Kuratau settlement, roughly 75 km from Taupō town via Mangakino.
Is fly fishing the only method allowed at the mouth?
Yes — trolling and jigging are prohibited within 200 m of the landmark posts at all Lake Taupō river mouths; fly fishing only applies in these zones.
What species are caught at the Kuratau mouth?
Rainbow trout and brown trout are the main species, with fish often feeding in the current seam where river and lake water mix.
When does the Kuratau mouth fish best?
It fishes well during smelt runs, at change of light, and on dark nights; summer evenings and autumn can also produce good results as trout seek cooler water.
Is the area busy with anglers?
No — the western shore is remote and sees far less pressure than eastern-shore rips such as the Waitahanui or Hinemaiaia mouths.
Can I fish Lake Kuratau or the river upstream?
Yes — Lake Kuratau and sections of the Kuratau River upstream of the hydro dam allow spin fishing and have separate bag-limit rules; check current DOC regulations.
Do I need a special licence?
Yes — a Taupō fishing licence from the Department of Conservation is required for all waters in the Taupō Trout Fishery district.
Is wading safe at the Kuratau delta?
The shallow delta is generally safe to wade, but lake levels and soft pumice bottoms require caution; always check conditions on arrival.
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