Fishing

The Rotorua lakes are the central feature of the Eastern Bay region which offers diverse angler experiences, high catch rates and big fish. There is something for everyone in this fisher’s paradise!

You'll find a few fully licensed guides and vessels below who will take you to their favourite spots, or you can go it alone (but then who will be your witness of the one that got away?).
 
A family favourite, children 6-14 years old can learn to fly fish and catch a rainbow trout! Held at Ngongotaha Trout Hatchery on specified days between July and November. Bookings must be made in advance. 
 
Many lakes and rivers in our region can be fished year round; for others, the season is usually 1 October to 30 June, however some vary. Please refer to the North Island Sports Fishing Regulations for the appropriate year published annually by Fish & Game New Zealand.
 
Sports fishing throughout New Zealand requires a fishing license whether you are a New Zealand resident or a visitor from overseas.
 
Shoreline fly fishing and spin fishing can result in very good catch rates while boat fishing over the summer months provides action and fun for the whole family. Most of the Rotorua lakes lack suitable spawning rivers to sustain trout populations so supplementary stocking maintains high numbers for anglers.
 
Lake Rotorua is not stocked but has one of the highest catch rates in the district while Lake Ōkāreka also keeps anglers happy with high numbers of good quality fish.
 
Lakes Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoiti can produce trophy fish.
 
Lakes Rotoma and Rotoehu provide experiences for those wanting to get away from the crowds, and at Rotoma, the opportunity to chase tiger trout.
 
Lakes Rotomahana and Tikitapu also have their own special charm and local devotees, while Lake Rerewhakaaitu attracts shore-based anglers targeting deep bodied fish.

Lake Ohakuri, southwest of Rotorua, is a deep man-made lake holding a high population of rainbow and brown trout that can be caught by a variety of methods. It’s a popular lake but its size and shape means that there is plenty of space for the angler who wishes to get away from it all.
 
Smaller lakes with secluded bays and rising trout are there for the more adventurous anglers who want to “get off the beaten track”.

Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date with the latest fishing news from RotoruaNZ.