Last updated October 2026
The Waihaha River mouth is in the Western Bay of Lake Taupō, about 20 km north of Kuratau. Within 200 m of the landmark post it is fly fishing only, open all year, and boats may not fish there.
The area is normally reached by boat, and a local fishing site says it fishes very well in the smelting season. You need a Taupō fishing licence from DOC.
The Waihaha River mouth at a Glance
- Location
- Waihaha, Western Bay of Lake Taupō, off State Highway 32
- Type
- Remote lake mouth and delta
- Method
- Fly fishing only within 200 m of the landmark post
- Season
- Open all year
- Licence
- Taupō fishing licence from DOC (online)
- Hours
- No fishing between midnight and 5am
- Access
- Normally by boat; the Waihaha Track starts at a car park on Western Bay Road but does not lead to the mouth
- Services
- None; buy tackle in Taupō or Tūrangi
- Tides
- None
- Suits
- Experienced anglers with a boat and a good forecast
No tides. Wind and weather decide whether a small boat can reach the Western Bay, and the lake level is published by Mercury.
Setting and Background
The Waihaha River is about 20 km long and flows into the Western Bay at the Waihaha settlement. The river rises in the Hauhungaroa Range, and Waihāhā was a stronghold for Ngāti Tarakaiahi and Ngāti Wheoro according to the Ngāti Tūwharetoa statutory acknowledgements.
DOC says the Waihaha and Waihora tracks are normally accessed by boat, and a local fishing site says the mouth is generally reached by boat. The water there is relatively deep, and the inflow makes a rip where fish feed. The site says it receives less fishing pressure than other parts of the lake.
The river upstream is a separate fly-only fishery with two season windows. It is covered in our Waihaha River guide.
How to Fish the Waihaha River Mouth
Where and when
The zone is open all year. A local fishing site ties the Waihaha to the smelting season, and DOC says mature trout gather off river mouths in late summer and early autumn. Fishing is allowed between 5am and midnight, so dusk and the evening are available before the midnight cut-off.
Lines and flies
- Sinking line: DOC suggests one for fly anglers at river mouths.
- Floating or intermediate line: the same fishing site says shallow western mouths are usually fished with these.
- Flies: smelt patterns suit the smelting season. Ask at a Taupō or Tūrangi tackle shop which are working.
Rules and Safety
- Licence: a Taupō fishing licence from DOC is required, bought online.
- Rule set: the Anglers Notice for Taupō District 2026. DOC sets the daily and size limits, so check the current notice and the DOC rules page.
- Methods: within 200 m of the landmark post at the mouth, fly fishing only. Do not troll or jig there. Bait is not allowed anywhere in the Taupō district.
- Hours: no fishing between midnight and 5am. Dusk and dark fishing is fine before midnight.
- Boats: no boat fishing within 200 m of the landmark post at this mouth. A boat can get you to the area, but you must fish from the shore or by wading inside the zone. DOC counts float tubes and canoes as boats.
- Wading: river mouths have steep pumice drop-offs. DOC says to treat them with extreme caution, and to wear a lifejacket if you are not sure of the bottom.
- Footwear: felt-soled boots are not permitted.
- Lake: Lake Taupō is large and exposed. Get a reliable forecast and tell the Coastguard or someone ashore your plans.
- Private land: a Taupō licence covers foot access only along designated lakeshore and riverbank rights of way, not private land.
Getting There and Facilities
- By boat: the mouth is in a remote part of the Western Bay. DOC says boat transfers between Waihora Bay, Kawakawa Bay and Kinloch can be pre-arranged.
- Car park: the Waihaha River car park on Western Bay Road has a shelter, an information board and a toilet along the track. The Waihaha Track does not lead to the lake mouth.
- Phone coverage: DOC says it is patchy on the tracks.
- Tackle: buy flies and tackle in Taupō or Tūrangi before you go.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Taupo Rod & Tackle, 4 Tamamutu Street, Taupō, sells fly and conventional gear. Phone ahead on 07 378 5337 to check ordering and hours.
- Sporting Life Turangi, 60 Turangi Town Centre, Tūrangi, posts regular fishing reports and stocks flies and tackle.
Find Out More
DOC Waihaha and Waihora tracks: access, hazards and facilities in the area.
DOC Taupō fishery rules: hours, methods, licence and boat rules.
Anglers Notice for Taupō District 2026: the official fly-only mouth zones, seasons and closures.
Common Questions
Do I need a licence?
Yes. A Taupō fishing licence from DOC, bought online.
Is the mouth fly fishing only?
Yes, within 200 m of the landmark post.
Can I fish from a boat?
No. Boats may not fish within 200 m of the landmark post at this mouth.
How do I get there?
Normally by boat. The Waihaha Track does not lead to the lake mouth.
When is it open?
All year, but not between midnight and 5am.
What is the best season?
Anglers link it to the smelting season. DOC says trout gather off mouths in late summer and early autumn.
Is there phone coverage?
DOC says it is patchy in the area.
Where do I buy tackle?
In Taupō or Tūrangi.
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