Last updated October 2026
The Waikato River leaves Lake Taupō in the middle of town and gives about 5 km of fishable water before it plunges over Huka Falls. Rainbow and brown trout live in it in very large numbers, the water is always clear because it comes straight off the lake, and both fly fishing and spinning are allowed all year.
The current is very strong and the level rises quickly when the control gates open, so fish it from the bank and treat it with respect.
Waikato River at a Glance
- Location
- Waikato River in Taupō, from the lake outlet and control gates bridge (Tongariro Street) to Huka Falls
- Water
- Fresh, clear water from Lake Taupō
- Main species
- Rainbow and brown trout, averaging about 1.5 kg
- Season
- Open all year
- Methods
- Fly and spin allowed; no bait
- Access
- Streets in the first 2 km, Spa Thermal Park tracks, Hipapatua (Reid’s Farm) and Huka Falls Road
- No fishing
- From the control gates bridge, any state highway bridge, the boat harbour wharf and jetties, or from a boat in the boat harbour
- Licence
- Taupō fishing licence, sold online (a Fish & Game licence does not cover it)
- Rules
- DOC Taupō District Anglers Notice
- Flows
- Mercury flows line, 0800 820 082
No tides. Mercury sets the flow at the control gates, usually opening them in the morning and evening, so the river can rise quickly; the water stays clear.
Setting and Background
The river leaves the lake through the Taupō Boat Harbour and passes under the control gates about 1 km downstream. The gates, built in 1941, carry Tongariro Street across the river and hold back Lake Taupō so its water can be used by the hydro stations down the Waikato. The structure has six gates and a central boat lock.
Below the gates the river runs past Spa Thermal Park, where tracks follow the bank and the Otumuheke Stream hot pools draw a crowd, then through a steep gorge to Hipapatua (Reid’s Farm) and on to Huka Falls.
At the falls the whole river is forced through a rock channel about 15 m wide and 10 m deep before dropping between 7 and 9.5 m, depending on the flow.
The Taupō fishery reaches down the Waikato River as far as Huka Falls; below the falls the river is Fish & Game Eastern water with a different licence.
Ngāti Tūwharetoa hold legal title to the Taupō Waters, which include the lake, its tributaries and the Waikato River to Te Toka a Tia, on behalf of all Tūwharetoa descendants. Only Ngāti Tūwharetoa members may take kōura and the other native fish of Lake Taupō.
Mercury sets the river’s flow, running the gates to meet power demand, and Waikato Regional Council takes over during downstream floods. In December 2022 the river reached its highest recorded level since 1908.
How to Fish the Waikato River at Taupō
Where to fish
The easiest water is from the control gates down through the first couple of kilometres, but bank access points are limited: several streets lead down to the river in this stretch.
Below that the river runs through a steep gorge with no access, and the area around Hipapatua (Reid’s Farm) opens it up again. Huka Falls Road gives access to the lower stretch above the falls. Much of the water is hard to reach from the bank.
When to fish
The river fishes all year. Spawning fish move through in winter, and warm summer evenings can bring big rises to dry flies. The gates usually open in the early morning and the evening, and the level can climb quickly when they do.
Flies, spinners and methods
- Spinning: usually the best method here, because the current is very strong and there is little room for a back-cast. Use enough weight to get the lure deep. Black and Gold Toby, Tasmanian Devil and Cobra lures all work.
- Nymphs: heavily weighted Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail and Halfback all year, and Globugs in winter.
- Dry flies: cicada and large terrestrial patterns in summer, and beetles in early summer.
- Wet flies: smelt patterns such as Taupo Tiger, Grey Ghost and Ginger Mick, plus Woolly Bugger, Red Setter, Hamills Killer and Mrs Simpson.
Tackle rules to know
Taupō rules allow single-point hooks only, with a gap no wider than 14 mm, and no more than three lures on the line. Bait is banned, and any foul-hooked fish must be released.
Rules and Wading Safety
- This reach is part of the Taupō fishery, managed by DOC under the Anglers Notice for Taupō District 2026, in force from 1 July 2026. You need a Taupō fishing licence. Since June 2025 these are sold online only, and a Fish & Game licence does not cover Taupō waters.
- Both waters, the lake outlet to the control gates bridge and the bridge to Huka Falls, are open all year to fly and spin fishing. This is one of the exceptions to the district’s fly-only rule for rivers.
- No fishing from the control gates bridge, any state highway bridge, or the wharf and jetties in the Taupō Boat Harbour, and no fishing from a boat anywhere in the boat harbour.
- No fishing between midnight and 5am, and no felt-soled footwear.
- The current is very strong, and the level rises quickly when the gates open. Do not wade out of your depth.
- Below Hipapatua (Reid’s Farm) the river is very swift. A slip there, wading or from a boat, could carry you over Huka Falls. Stay out of the water in that stretch.
Getting There and Facilities
- Spa Thermal Park: off Spa Road, with tracks beside the river toward Huka Falls and access to the Otumuheke Stream hot pools. The vehicle gates are locked from 8pm to 7am, so plan around them if you fish late.
- Huka Falls car park: on Huka Falls Road, about five minutes’ drive north of town. DOC says it is locked from 5:30pm to 8:30am, with a release fee if your car is locked in, which matters for dawn and dusk anglers.
- Hipapatua (Reid’s Farm): a council freedom camping reserve on the river, with a stay limit of three nights.
- Dogs: Spa Thermal Park has an off-leash dog area; keep dogs out of the children’s play area.
- Swimmers: people bathe in the hot pools and along the river at Spa Park, so fish away from them.
Tackle and Bait Nearby
- Hamills, 109 Tongariro Street, Taupō: fly and spin tackle.
- Hunting & Fishing Taupō, 27 Gascoigne Street, Taupō: fishing and outdoor gear.
Find Out More
DOC: Taupō fishery rules and regulations: methods, seasons, limits and licence rules for Taupō waters.
Anglers Notice for Taupō District 2026: the official rules, including the Waikato River and boat harbour.
Mercury: lake levels and river flows: Lake Taupō level and the river flows phone line.
Common Questions
Can you fish the Waikato River in Taupō?
Yes. The river from the lake outlet to Huka Falls is part of the Taupō fishery and is open all year.
Is the Waikato River at Taupō fly fishing only?
No. Fly fishing and spinning are both allowed on this reach. Bait is not.
What licence do I need?
A Taupō fishing licence, bought online. A Fish & Game licence does not cover Taupō waters.
Can I fish from the control gates bridge?
No. Fishing is banned from the control gates bridge, any state highway bridge and the boat harbour wharf and jetties.
Where can I get to the river?
From the streets that lead down to it in the first 2 km below the control gates, the Spa Thermal Park tracks, Hipapatua (Reid’s Farm) and Huka Falls Road.
What is the best way to fish it?
Spinning is often best because the current is strong and there is little room to cast a fly. Weighted nymphs and smelt patterns also work.
Is it safe to wade?
Only with great care. The current is very strong, the level rises when the gates open, and below Reid’s Farm a fall could carry you over Huka Falls.
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