Lake Tarawera Trout Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
U16 Rotorua
V16 Tarawera

Lake Tarawera is a pristine lake surrounded by a ring of hills and dominated by the mass of Mount Tarawera. In 1886 Mount Tarawera erupted, destroying most of the native bush around the lake. Consequently, the lake is now ringed by secondary growth bush and scrub. The water in the lake is deep, very clear and very cold. In overcast conditions the lake is often described as brooding and moody though during fine conditions it is very beautiful in its wild setting. Care must be taken when boating on this lake as strong southerly or easterly winds can mean that the lake becomes very rough.

As trout have an abundant food source within the lake they grow rapidly and reach some of the most impressive sizes of any trout in New Zealand or indeed the world.

While most of the fishing on this lake is necessarily done with a boat there are also some excellent opportunities for the shore-based angler around the western bays where there is road access. Some favoured spots include the Te Wairoa stream mouth, the Landing, Rangiuru Bay and Waitangi Bay.

Lake Tarawera is approximately 18 km from Rotorua township and can be reached by taking the Tarawera Road that leads off State Highway 30 at the southern end of Lake Rotorua. This road allows access to the western shoreline and to a number of boat ramps. Most of the lake however is only accessible by boat.

See the Lake Tawarewa access map.

On the western shoreline there are a number of very popular fly fishing spots. While these areas can fish well during the day they come into their own at change of light or at night. As the water is deep even close to the shore a sinking line is best during the day though a low to medium sinking line is better in the evening or on a dark night.

Trolling remains the most popular method of fishing this lake, particularly during the warmer months when the trout go deep. This requires however the use of lead core line or a downrigger to get the lures to the correct depth.

Jigging is also becoming very popular and successful.

For trolling, over 100 metres of lead core line or a suitable downrigger capable of getting the lures down 20 to 30 metres is required. To jig this lake use either non-stretch nylon or the new fusion lines as these allow the soft takes of the fish to be felt more easily. A fish finder will help establish the depth of the fish.

When fly fishing from the shore during the day use a fast sinking line and a slow to medium sinking line in the evening or at night.

Dry flies: Lake Tarawera is not noted as a dry fly lake but during the warmer months Cicada, Blowfly and Wasp patterns can be effective when these insects are being blown onto the water.

Nymphs: Lightly weighted Hare and Copper, Pheasants Tail and Halfback nymphs can be effective when fished on a floating line close to the shoreline. The "heave and leave” method with a Glow Bug is also popular when fishing from the shoreline in the evening or at night.

Wet flies / Streamers: Red Setter, Hamill's Killer, Green Rabbit and Parsons' Glory all work well during the day, and darker patterns such as Scotch Poacher, Fuzzy Wuzzy and Craig's Night-time at night.

Spinners: Black Toby, Tasmanian Devils, Flat Fish and Cobras all work well.