Eastern > Fishing

Eastern Region: Fish and Game New Zealand’s Eastern Region offers a large range of fishing opportunities for both lake and river fishing. Access to much of the fishable water in the Eastern Region has been described in a series of comprehensive informational pamphlets. These can be obtained free of charge from most licence sellers and sports shops, as well as our Rotorua office and this site. These pamphlets have detailed maps of their respective catchments along with labeled access points and fishing information, and outline the best fishing areas and methods to use. An active access programme is also being implemented throughout the region with extensive signage and tracks have been cut to guide anglers to many fishing opportunities.

The bush clad Lakes Waikaremoana and Waikareiti in the east provide spectacular boat and shoreline fishing for both brown and rainbow trout in the scenic Te Urewera National Park. The rivers within the park also provide opportunities to target headwater fish and spawning run fish. The Ruakituri River gives anglers a chance to catch world renowned strong trout while the Waiau Rivers offers very high catch rates.

The Bay of Plenty has a large number of spectacular river fisheries from the Waioeka River in the east through the Rangitaiki,Tarawera and Kaituna catchments to the Ngamuwahine River in the west. Lakes like Aniwhenua and Flaxy also add to diverse fishing opportunities.

The Rotorua lakes are the central feature of the region. Shoreline fly fishing and spin fishing can result in very good catch rates while boat fishing over the summer months provides action and fun for the whole family. Most of the Rotorua Lakes lack suitable spawning rivers to sustain fish populations so supplementary stocking of Tarawera-strain trout from the Ngongotaha hatchery maintain the high numbers for anglers.

Lake Rotorua is not stocked but has one of the highest catch rates in the district while Lake Okareka also keeps anglers happy with high numbers of good quality fish. The trophy lakes - Tarawera, Okataina and Rotoiti - regularly produce fish in excess of 5 kg. Lakes Rotoma and Rotoehu provide experiences for those wanting to get away from the crowds and the opportunity to chase tiger trout. Lakes Rotomahana and Tikitapu also have their own special charm and local devotees, while Lake Rerewhakaaitu attracts shorebased anglers targeting deep bodied fish. Smaller lakes with secluded bays and rising trout are there for the more adventurous anglers who want to “get off the beaten track”.

The Eastern Region offers diverse angler experiences, high catch rates and big fish. Something for everyone!