Freshwater fishing in the Auckland / Waikato Region

The region offers a wide diversity of fishing opportunities with many lake and river fisheries.

Three lakes within one hour of Auckland City are regularly stocked with trout, and wild trout are abundant in the Mangatawhiri and Mangatangi reservoirs. There is also good trout fishing in the Coromandel ranges with most rivers having easy access and high scenic values.

Further south there are numerous spring-fed trout streams in the South Waikato, and many back country fisheries throughout the King Country including the headwaters of the Waipa, Whanganui, Whakapapa, and Awakino Rivers. The Waikato River has an abundant brown trout population, and the hydro lakes provide excellent lake fishing. Coarse fisheries are present in most lakes north of Hamilton, including Lake Pupuke and Hamilton Lake. Good coarse fishing is also available in the lower Waikato and Whangamarino Rivers.

A great range of brochures providing in depth information about Auckland / Waikato fisheries and access are available for download on our local fishing location and access page.

Tagged Fish

If you catch a tagged fish, please contact the regional Fish & Game office - aucklandwaikato@fishandgame.org.nz or fill in the form by selecting here.

Licence Update Profile Request

Contact details changed and you would like your licence profile updated? Select here to send a request to have your information changed.

Upcoming Events:

Lower Waikato River Trout Contest 2022 - 13th to 16th October

View our Fishing licence information in this section.

Buy a licence

Get a BackCountry Licence endorsement

Fishing Licence FAQs

General Licence FAQs