Where to Fish for Trout in the Taupo/Turangi Region

Deservedly popular, the world reknowned Taupo fishery offers year-round fishing in the lake, at stream mouths, and in the rivers flowing into into it. Visitors keen to make the most of the central North Island fishing may wish to benefit from the experience of the many fishing guides and boat charters that operate, mainly from Taupo and Turangi.

Turangi claims the title of the trout fishing capital of the world and with over 30 rivers within an hour's drive, the choice of fishing water is huge.

Taupo/Turangi fishing

Summer
During the summer, there is boat fishing on Lake Taupo and superb dry fly fishing in the many rivers and streams of the central North Island region.  Mid November to end of March is the best time for dry fly fishing on the evening rise, while in February the cicada hatch makes for good fishing.

Winter
During the winter months huge numbers of large trout enter all the rivers and make their way upstream to spawn. This is the premier fishing time for the region as trout that enter the rivers are in prime condition. July to September are traditionally the best months for spawning runs and are usually the busiest months with the most anglers on the waters. In recent years October has been very good too as spawning runs become more spread out.

Fly fishing the eastern tributaries such as the Tongariro, Tauranga-Taupo, Hinemaiaia and Waitahanui, mostly for rainbow trout, provides the fishing challenge. These rivers are very popular and, if you are to enjoy your fishing there, it is vital to be aware of the fishing etiquette that applies.

Note that the upper parts of the rivers are closed from 1st June to 30th November to protect the trout while they are spawning.

Children: Children are taught to cast a flyrod and catch a trout at  the Children's Fishing Pond in Turangi on specific days between April and September. Bookings are required.

Taupo licence

A special licence is required to fish in the Taupo region. (Fish & Game licences are not valid in the Taupo area). A map showing the boundaries of the Taupo fishing region is displayed on the DOC website.

Taupo fishing licences can be obtained from licence agents in many North Island New Zealand towns and cities. A full list of Taupo licence agents is available at the Department of Conservation website. The licence is not valid unless made out in your name and signed by you. You must carry it with you when fishing.

The cost of all Taupo licences is also available at the Department of Conservation website.

Lake Rotoaira permit

A separate entry permit is required to fish Lake Rotoaira. See Lake Rotoaira for details.

Boat ramp permit

A current Lake Taupo boat ramp permit is required before using public launching ramps on the lake, but is not needed for lauching small craft from the beach. The permits are available for a day, a week or a year from fishing licence sellers. Regular checks are carried out at public boat ramps.

Taupo regulations

The regulations that apply to the Taupo district are different to those that apply elsewhere and you must be aware of them before you fish there. See Taupo regulations.

Fishing etiquette

Because of the popularity of the Taupo/Turangi fishery, the preferred fishing locations are very often shared with other anglers. A common code of practice or fishing etiquette gives everyone a reasonable oportunity fish and catch trout and avoids conflict. See Fishing etiquette.

Department of Conservation brochures

The Taupo fishery area is managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC). Copies of the following brochures can be requested (email fishinfo@doc.govt.nz) or picked up from from DOC's Turangi office.

- Hooked: Releasing trout so they survive

- Trolling: Tips for boat fishing Lake Taupo

- Angling Manners: Understanding fishing in the Taupo Region

- Map of the Tongariro River

Deparment of Conservation contact details

Contact details are:

Taupo Fishery Area
Private Bag,
Turanga Place,
Turangi

Phone: +64 7 386 8607
Fax: +64 7 386 7086
Fishery Duty Officer: 027 290 7758

Email: fishinfo@doc.govt.nz
Web: Taupo fishery pages at the DOC website