| Fish type |
Rainbow
trout |
| Situation |
Lake Rerewhakaaitu is unlike
most other lakes in the Rotorua district in that it is surrounded
by mostly flatland. Consequently, it can be badly affected by
wind, making angling very difficult at times. |
| Maps |
Access
map
Access
map with topography
LINZ
topographic maps: 1:50,000 (260
series)
|
| Check conditions |
View the MetService
weather forecast for Rotorua. |
| F&G pamphlet |
Lake
Rerewhakaaitu info and basic chart (pdf file 110 kB)
Rotorua
lakes fishery (pdf file 491 kB)
Rotorua
lakes: Winter shoreline fishing (73 kB)
Boat
fishing information (pdf file 256 kB)
|
| Description |
Lake Rerewhakaaitu is a relatively
shallow lake and has extensive weed beds around the shoreline.
As it is situated on flatland, wind can be a problem at times.
Many anglers do like this lake however as it is easy to wade
and fish can be spotted as they cruise the shoreline. The lake
does hold good numbers of fish and the excellent food source
in the lake means that they are aggressive and hard fighting.
When fishing this lake polarised sunglasses are essential to
ensure that you can spot the fish before they spot you. |
| Fish numbers and size |
The lake holds good stocks of
rainbow trout, mostly around the 1.5 kg mark. Much bigger fish
are also present. |
| Access |
Access to Lake Rerewhakaaitu
is via the Rerewhakaaitu Road which leeds off State Highway
38 approximately 5 km from the junction with SH5. There is a
good boat ramp at Homestead Arm. See the Lake Rerewhakaaitu
access
map. |
| Methods |
As this lake is very shallow,
those wishing to fish from a boat are best to try harling or
shallow trolling. As trout are often found in the shallow water
around the shoreline many anglers prefer to stay on the shore
or wade and cast to cruising fish that can be seen along the
shoreline. Small nymphs, smelt patterns and dry flies work well
at different times of year. |
| Recommended tackle |
When trolling or harling, it
is not necessary or possible to fish deep, consequently only
minimum weight is required. When fishing from the shore use
as light a line as possible to avoid spooking the fish which
more often than not are very close to the shore. Fly rods around
6 weight are usually sufficient though in a strong wind it may
be necessary to use a heavier rod. |
| Recommended lures |
Nymphs:
Use small lightly weighted nymphs such as Hare
and Copper, Pheasants
Tail and Halfbacks
in sizes 14 to 16
Dry flies:
As terrestrial insects are blown onto the lake try using Beetle
patterns in early summer (Nov - Dec), and Cicadas,
Blowflies and
Wasp patterns
in mid to late summer (Jan - early March).
Wet flies / Streamers:
Hamill's
Killer, was designed as a killer fly when fishing
Lake Rerewhakaaitu. Also try any smelt patterns such as Grey
Ghost, Parsons'
Glory, green Rabbit,
or a small Woolly
Bugger, Red
Setter, or Dorothy
fly.
Spinners: Small
spinners such as Tobys,
Tasmanian
Devils, Tokoroa Chickens and Glimmies or any spinner that
imitates a small fish such as a bully or smelt. |
| Tributaries |
There are no tributaries of
note but do explore the water around any incoming stream, regardless
of size, especially in the mornings or late evenings. |
| Regulations
(1) |
| Applicable to |
Lake Rerewhakaaitu |
| Region |
Eastern
region regulations |
| Season |
All year |
| Methods |
Artificial fly, spinner |
| Bag limit |
Trout: 8 |
| Size limit (cm) |
350 mm minimum |
| Regulations
(2) |
| Applicable to |
All springs, streams and their
tributaries which flow into or from Lake Rerewhakaaitu. |
| Region |
Eastern
region regulations |
| Season |
Closed |
| Methods |
None |
| Bag limit |
0 |
| Size limit (cm) |
N/A |
