Fishing Locations and Access

The Auckland/Waikato Region offers widely diverse freshwater fishing opportunities with many lake, river and backcountry fisheries, most with easy access and high scenic values.

Auckland/Waikato Fishing Travel guide

Three lakes within an hour’s drive 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. Most rivers have easy access and great scenery. Further south there are numerous spring-fed trout streams in the south Waikato, and many backcountry fisheries throughout the King Country include 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.

Getting Started:

If you would like a copy of our brochure, Getting Started in Freshwater Fishing, or copies of any of the brochures listed below, please send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: Fish & Game New Zealand, Auckland/Waikato Region, RD 9, Hamilton or email: aucklandwaikato@fishandgame.org.nz

New to freshwater fishing?

In general anglers troll the hydro lakes slowly using a black or gold Toby spinner, Rapalas or Tasmanian Devils.

Bank fishing is limited but fly fishing, casting spinners or soft baits, are all productive.

This website has lots of fishing tips in Getting Started - click here

The Waikato River trail offers access below Arapuni Dam to some prime water but the area is largely blocked by willows.

Access Brochures/Information:

Auckland/Waikato Trout Fishing

Auckland/Waikato Lakes