Waiotaka Stream Trout Fishing

Access map
Access map with topography

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

River flow

The Waiotaka Stream river flow is normally 2-3 cubic metres per second.

Weather forecast

View the MetService weather forecast for Taupo.

It's very easy to miss the small Waiotaka Stream when crossing it on State Highway 1. However, the stream widens into a very attractive small river upstream. The bank side vegetation does not allow much casting space however, making it more suited to the experienced angler.

Description

The mouth of the Waiotaki Stream provides excellent fishing in the shallows in early summer when the smelt are running. There is a drop-off about 100 metres into the lake from the mouth which you can wade out to if you wish. Take care after dark.

From SH1 to the mouth the river is very narrow and overgrown, making it difficult to fish.

Access

Travelling north, the mouth of the stream can be reached by taking Frethey Drive which turns off SH1 approximately 300 metres past the SH1 bridge. Frethey Drive takes you to Stump Bay. Follow the pumice vehicle track to the mouth, but be aware that off the track the pumice is very soft and care is needed if driving rather than walking.

See the Waiotaka River access map.

Description

Above SH1, anglers can fish around 4-5 km by following a walkway along the bank of the Waiotaka. Much of this section of the river has vegetation growing along the banks making for some very difficult casting. Because of the small size, and the challenging conditions it presents, this river does not receive a lot of angling pressure.

Fish numbers and size

Despite its small size, there are a good runs of large fish during the winter months. There are also reasonable numbers of resident fish throughout the year that can be spotted in the clear water and carefully cast to.

Access

A walkway that follows the true left bank of the Waiotaka can be accessed from two tracks that lead off the highway just south of the bridge on SH1.

The well signposted Waiotaki Road takes anglers to near the upper limits of winter fishing. To get to Waitaka Road: if you are travelling north from Turangi, either turn off SH1 into Korohe Rd (7km from Turangi) and turn right at the junction; or turn off SH1 at the Grace Road intersection near Turangi.

Two vehicle access tracks also lead off SH1.

See the Waiotaka River access map.

Above the prison, the river provides some good sport but the difficulty of access makes it hardly worth the trouble.

Access

Access is either by helicopter or a long walk through the the Waimarino River end of the Kaimanawa Forest Park. The only road access is a prison road and permisison to use it would be unusual.

See the Waiotaka River access map.

Most of this small stream is very shallow, and so floating lines are recommended.

When fishing the mouth, use a floating line and a light-coloured smelt fly during the day, and a very dark fly during the evening.

For nymph fishing:

A 5 to 7 weight rod.
A floating line.
A weighted nymph with lighter nymphs tied below.
Leader 4-4.5 metres in length and 2.5-4 kg strength.
An indicator (to detect strikes)

For wetfly fishing:

A 6 or 7 weight rod.
A medium to fast sinking line.
A short tippet of 2-2.5 metres.

Nymphs: Globugs (during the spawning season), White Caddis, Halfback, Hare and Copper

Dry flies: During the summer small Parachute Adams and sedge patterns. During the early summer try beetle patterns, and later in summer try cicada patterns.

Wet flies/streamers: Use smaller flies such as Red Setter and Rabbit patterns especially an Orange Rabbit. Also Woolly Buggers, Mrs Simpson, and Hamill's Killer. At the mouth try smelt patterns such as Grey Ghost and Parson's Glory during the day; and very dark patterns such as Fuzzy Wuzzy and Craig's Nightime at night.

Fly fishing only.
Boat fishing from an anchored boat only.

Not applicable

Fly fishing only.
Boat fishing from an anchored boat only.

Not applicable