Lake Okataina Trout Fishing

Lake Okataina is in a remote, extremely scenic valley surrounded by pristine virgin native forest. There is only one road to the lake that provides access to just one bay.

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic maps: 1:50,000 (260 series)

See the Environment Bay of Plenty website for:

- A report card on the lake water quality

- Lake use map and lake closure notices

View the MetService weather forecast for Rotorua.

Lake Okataina info and basic chart (pdf file 113 kB)

Rotorua lakes fishery (pdf file 491 kB)

Rotorua lakes: Winter shoreline fishing (73 kB)

Boat fishing information (pdf file 256 kB)

Lake Okataina's clear water provides an abundance of food that ensure the fish reach very impressive sizes. The lake is very deep and has very cold water. There are a number of bays and long arms that reach into long wooded valleys. This is a very beautiful lake to fish and the quality of the fishing in a pristine wilderness setting is very special.

Due to its remoteness and limited shoreline access, most fishing must be done from a boat. A number of small streams feed into the lake, all of which provide excellent fishing opportunities, although again most can only be reached by boat. Where the road ends on the lake shoreline there can be good fishing for the land based angler. Those willing to walk will also be able to move around the lake shore to a few other bays. Fish are easy tosopt as they cruise the shoreline.

The two most popular methods of fishing Lake Okataina are trolling and jigging. There can also be excellent fly fishing around Home Bay and the Log Pool in late autumn and early winter when the trout will often come very close to the beach.

Shoreline fishing is often best when the water is being disturbed by a light wind and the conditions are overcast.

The fish are generally found deep, requiring lead core line or a downrigger. As the water is also very clear, it is necessary to use a very long leader.

When jigging, use non-stretch nylon or fusion line to ensure the soft takes of the trout can be felt.

When fly fishing, use as light a line as is practical (weight 5 to 6 are ideal) as the fish will often become spooky if there is too much disturbance of the water when casting.

Nymphs: Due to the depth of water it is necessary to use reasonably weighted nymphs usually in Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tail and Halfback patterns with a reasonable length leader. When jigging use smelt patterns though a Globug or muppit pattern can also be successful.

Dry flies: Because of the abundant forest cover down to the water's edge, a good supply of terrestrial insects land on the water throughout the year. Good patterns to try in summer include cicada, wasp and beetle patterns.

Wet flies / Streamers: Any smelt pattern such as Parsons' Glory, Grey Ghost or Taupo Tiger and palmered flies such as Woolly Buggers, particularly in green are effective during the day and dark patterns such as Craig's Night-time, Scotch Poacher or Black Marabou flies work best. Luminous flies are also popular on dark nights.

Spinners: The most popular spinners are Toby's, Flatfish and Tasmanian Devils, though when trolling many anglers prefer to troll a large smelt fly pattern in combination with a spinner.