Activities at Taupo Fishery

Fly-fishing on the western bays of Lake
Taupo

Taupo has a very productive rainbow fishery and the vast proportion of the fish caught are rainbow trout.  However, some anglers target brown trout as they collect around the stream mouths in late summer or as they migrate up the Tongariro River to spawn in autumn and early winter.  Brown trout generally average approximately 3 kilograms in weight, but fish of up to 6 and 7 kilograms are occasionally caught.

Like any fishery, local knowledge makes a big difference.  If you are a first time visitor there are numerous fishing guides available, or call in to one of the local sports shops for up-to-date advice.

Children's fishing pond

Children's fishing days are held at the children's fishing pond at Tongariro National Trout Centre in Turangi. At these events, children are taught flyrod skills by volunteers of the Tongariro National Trout Centre Society.

Fishing smaller lakes

Lakes Otamangakau and Lake Kuratau lie within the Taupo district. At these two lakes anglers can enjoy a wilderness fishing experience.

Summer fishing

Over the summer, fishing in the Taupo fishery is concentrated on Lake Taupo.  Here the fishery is made up of immature rainbow trout and fish recovering after spawning and feeding on smelt. 

Winter fishing

During the winter, anglers fish for rainbow trout and the occasional brown trout by flyfishing as the fish make their spawning migration up the eastern tributaries.