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Lake Arapuni Trout Fishing

Lake Arapuni is a deservedly popular fishery, especially for those wishing to fish from a boat for a good population of above-average sized rainbow and brown trout.

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Fish type	Both rainbow and brown trout are present and as there are limited spawning opportunities, each year around 2000 rainbow trout and 500 brown trout are released into Lake Arapuni by Fish and Game. Consequently, fish numbers are good with an average around 2.5 kg, with many going much larger.
Situation	Lake Arapuni is one of the Waikato River hydro lakes and lies west of Putaruru.
Maps	Access map Access map with topography LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000) T15 Putaruru
F&G pamphlet	Auckland/Waikato Lakes Trout Fishing
Description	Lake Arapuni is a long narrow lake and like others in the Waikato hydro system has a problem with weed infestation during the warm summer months, especially around the shoreline. There is very limited shoreline access for the angler and so most fishing is done using a boat. Consequently, trolling and harling are the most preferred methods but those who are willing to either drift or moor a boat and cast a fly spinner around the weed beds can do very well. Over the past years, as the quality of the stocked fish has increased, Lake Arapuni has become one of the better waters within the Waikato district consistently producing trophy fish. It is well served by boat ramps. The most consistent fishing is to be found at the head of the Lake where the water flows from the Waipapa dam. The water here can fluctuate and so it is very important to stay within the clearly marked channels when fishing.
Access	Lake Arapuni has very limited access for the shoreline angler. There are however a number of boat ramps on both sides of the lake. See the Lake Arapuni access map.
Methods	Trolling and harling are the preferred methods to fish this lake although in the summer when the fish are deeper it is necessary to use some weight, either through lead core line or adding weight just above the lures to ensure you get down to the fish. Casting a fly spinner from the drifting or stationary boat is also very effective when conditions permit.
Recommended tackle	When trolling especially during the warmer months when the trout tend to be deeper, use a lead core line with between three to five colours out depending on the conditions. Alternatively, use a downrigger. If that is not possible secure a small 3 to 4 ounce ball sinker above a swivel about a metre above the lures.
Recommended lures	Nymphs: Nymphs which imitate caddis or emerging caddis can be very effective especially during the summer months. Otherwise use an all-round fly. Try weighted Pheasants Tail or Hare and Copper when fishing along the weed beds. Dry flies: During the summer, especially in the section below the Waipapa dam, there can be a very good caddis fly hatch. Using caddis patterns particularly in green patterns during the evenings can be very effective at this time. Wet flies / Streamers: Any fly that imitates a small bully or fish such as a Hamill's Killer, Mrs Simpson or rabbit pattern, particularly in green, is effective during the day. During the evenings use darker patterns and when fishing at night try Fuzzy Wuzzy, Black Marabou patterns and flies such as the Scotch Poacher or Craig's Night-time. Spinners: Tokoroa Chickens work well throughout the year; otherwise try Black and Gold Toby's or dark coloured Cobras or Tasmanian Devils.
Tributaries	There are no major tributaries on Lake Arapuni but there is good fishing, especially in the warmer months, around any of the small stream mouths where they enter the lake.
Regulations
Applicable to	Lake Arapuni
Region	Auckland/Waikato regulations >>>
Season	All year
Methods	Artificial fly, spinner, bait
Bag limit	5
Size limit (cm)	30cm minimum

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