Freshwater fishing in the Eastern Region

The region offers a large range of fishing opportunities for both lake and river fishing.

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.

The park's rivers 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 produce 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 maintains the high numbers for anglers.

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

View our Fishing licence information in this section.

Buy a licence

Get a BackCountry Licence endorsement

Fishing Licence FAQs

General Licence FAQs