Waikato River Trout Fishing: Huka Falls to Ohakuri

Taupo to Ohakuri access map

Taupo to Ohakuri access map with topography

Waikato hydro lakes access map

Waikato hydro lakes access map with topography

LINZ topographic map: (260 Map Series, 1:50,000)
U17 Wairakei
T17 Whakamaru
T16 Tokoroa
T15 Putaruru
S15 Te Awamutu

The upper section of the Waikato River is still a very large waterway. Wading is all but impossible and so most fishing is done either from the bank or from a boat. Nevertheless, this under fished waterway holds a surprisingly large number of fish and anglers prepared to explore it should be rewarded with a good catch rate.

As the stretch of water is below a hydroelectric power station and the Lake Taupo flood gates, it can be subject to fluctuations in water level. During the summer months, the river temperatures tend to rise forcing many trout to congregate in the cooler water around a number of spring fed tributaries. During this time there can be excellent fishing using a spinner or a nymph especially during the evenings.

There are a number of good access points particularly off Broadlands Road where a number of side roads lead to the river. For those wishing to launch a boat, there is a boat ramp on River Road.

There is also access to the section below the Aratiatia Dam from Wairakei.

Nymphs: Weighted nymphs in sizes 12 to 14 such as a Pheasant Tail, Halfback or Hare and Copper are needed during the day but unweighted nymphs for the evenings when surface activity is seen.

Dry flies: This is not a noted dry fly fishing area but during the summer trout will rise during caddis hatches and during the day they sometimes cannot resist a cicada or cricket pattern.

Wet flies: Mrs Simpson, Hamill's Killer, Red Setter and smelt patterns during the day with a darker pattern such as a Fuzzy Wuzzy or Scotch Poacher late in the evening or at night.

Spinners: Black and Gold Toby spinners and Tokoroa Chickens (that look rather like a large Hamill's Killer). When trolling try and keep the lure moving just faster than the current and try a large bladed spinner such as a red or green Veltic or a Rapala (they need to be down near the bottom but beware of snags).