Lake Ohakuri Trout Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
U17 Wairakei

Lake Ohakuri and the section of the Waikato River that enters it provides excellent fishing throughout the year. While there is some shoreline access most fishing is done from a boat either through trolling or anchoring and casting from the boat. Although the water appears dark, it is generally very clear and clean. There is a large quantity of aquatic weed within the lake that can make life difficult for those fishing from the shore.

There are three major point of access for those wishing to fish Lake Ohakuri. The first is at the dam where there is also a good boat ramp. The second area is up the Whirinaki Arm and can be reached along the Whirinaki Arm Road where there is also a good boat ramp. The third area is at the head of the lake at the thermal resort of Orakei Korako where there is also a boat ramp.

See the upper Waikato River access map.

The most popular method to fish this lake is either harling or trolling. Spin fishing either from the shore or from a stationary boat is also very popular and during the summer months there can be good fly fishing, particularly in the evenings when there can be reasonably good numbers of trout rising.

Tributaries

The only tributary of real note is the Whirinaki stream which enters at the end of the Whirinaki Arm. The lower reaches of the small stream are best reached using a boat although there is access across farmland to the middle reaches where there can be good fishing during the cooler months.

When trolling, especially during the summer months, it is necessary to get the lure down to a reasonable depth and this can be done using lead core line or adding some weight to the line about a metre above the lure. Those wishing to spin fish will require a 2 metre rod or equivalent and around 3 kg line.

The Ohakuri Dam and tail-race

Description

There is excellent fishing below the Ohakuri Dam before the water flows down a short stretch of river before entering Lake Atiamuri. This section of the river is best fished when there is a good flow coming through the dam. The section is best fished with a spinner or a wet fly.

There is good access to both the true left-hand and true right-hand banks although both involve a short walk down from the road.

Nymphs: Weighted nymphs in sizes 12 to 14 and patterns such as Hare and Copper, Pheasant Tail and Halfbacks cast out from a stationary boat and slowly retrieved can be effective during late spring to early autumn.

Dry flies: Lake Ohakuri is not noted for dry fly fishing but in the evenings during the warmer summer months trout will rise to take emerging caddis and may flies.

Wet flies / Streamers: As the lake holds a reasonable population of smelt, patterns such as Grey Ghost, Parson's Glory and any rabbit pattern can be very effective during the day and Fuzzy Wuzzy, Black Marabou patterns and Craig's Night-time during the evenings. Hamill's Killer and Mrs Simpson are also very effective when fished around the weed beds.

Spinners: The most effective spinner pattern is the Tokoroa Chicken. Otherwise use Black Toby or dark coloured Tasmanian Devils or Cobras.